World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2nd February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the date of the adoption of the International Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. This year’s celebration of World Wetlands Day is especially significant because on the 30th August 2021 the UN General Assembly officially established 2 February as World Wetlands Day!
Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to climate mitigation, biodiversity, freshwater availability, food availability, and livelihoods for communities all around the world. Yet, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. It is urgent that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2022 is ‘Wetlands Action for People and Nature’, highlighting the importance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.
Here at MAP, we are deeply engaged in supporting the conservation and protection of wetlands, especially mangrove forests. There is an urgent need to reverse the loss of mangrove forests and protect the rights of coastal communities to sustainably manage and conserve these ecosystems. It is only through our ongoing, cooperative actions that we will succeed in protecting these vital ecosystems. Join us in celebrating World Wetlands Day and let’s act to protect wetlands around the world.
