Today is World Wetlands Day. It is an environmentally related celebration which dates back to the year 1971 when several environmentalists gathered to reaffirm protection and love for wetlands, which are water ecosystems containing plant life and other organisms that bring ecological health in abundance to not only water bodies but environments as a whole. The adoption of the Ramsar convention in the Iranian city of Ramsar occurred on February 2, 1971.

 

The theme for this year is Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future. It underscores the need for protecting these natural habitats for the welfare of all people – so that future generations can continue to benefit from all that wetlands provide. The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15) will take place in July this year in Zimbabwe. Every three years, representatives of the governments of each of the Contracting Parties meet to facilitate crucial discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and to agree on a work program for the next three years.

 

This day serves to highlight the influence and positive production that wetlands have had on the world and brings communities together for the benefit of Mother Nature. This day also raises global awareness of wetlands’ significant role not only for people but for the planet. Community protectors and environmental enthusiasts all come together on this day to celebrate their love for nature through celebration, which recognises what wetlands have done for not only humans but all sorts of organisms in the world.