2 February: World Wetland Day

Every year World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed on 2 February. The theme for the world wetland day for year 2016 is “Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods”.
It highlights the value of wetlands in securing local livelihoods through activities as rice farming, tourism, fishing and water provision.
Significance of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
Each year on this day government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), and groups of citizens at all levels to raise public awareness of wetland values and their benefits. They also spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands.
Background
For first time, WWD was celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year. The theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and Agriculture.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2016