2 Feb: World Wetlands Day

The World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (also called as Ramsar Convention) in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The theme for year 2018 is “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future“. The theme underlines the importance of wetlands and that the future of urban centres hinges on wetlands.

Background

For first time, World Wetland Day was celebrated in year 1997. Since then it is observed every year to spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands. The theme for year 2017 Theme was “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”.

Wetlands

Wetlands are transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where water table is usually at or near surface or land is covered by shallow water. It may be manmade or artificial. They support rich biodiversity and provide wide range of ecosystem services such as water storage, aquifer recharge, water purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, act as carbon sinks and others.

Ramsar Convention

Ramsar Convention aim to raise public awareness on conservation, proper utilisation and management of wetlands and their resources. It also seeks to promote conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local, regional and national actions and international cooperation, as contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout world.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2018