Wetlands
are geographical regions that are either continuously or periodically saturated
or inundated with water. Wetlands, lakes, rivers, swamps and floods inland
wetlands are included etc.
World
Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2nd February to raise awareness of
wetland values, benefits and promote the
conservation and wise use of wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of
the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international in 1971. This
year’s celebration of World Wetlands Day in 2022 is especially significant as
on 30th August 2021 the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317 that
established 2nd February as World Wetlands Day.
Why
World Wetlands Day?
Nearly
90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are
losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Yet, wetlands are critically
important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and
adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and more.
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.
World
Wetlands Day is the golden time to increase people’s understanding of these
critically important ecosystems.
Theme
World Wetlands Day 2022
Wetlands
Action for People and Nature is the theme in 2022 highlighting the importance
of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for
humans and planetary health.
Who
is behind World Wetlands Day?
The
World Wetlands Day awareness campaign is organized by the Secretariat of the
Convention on Wetlands. Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands have
been celebrating World Wetlands Day since 1997, when it was first established.
Who
can join?
World
Wetlands Day is open to everyone from international organizations, governments,
wetland practitioners, to children, youth, media, community groups,
decision-makers, to all individuals as these ecosystems are important for us
all.
About the Author : Hajra Ashfaq is doing BS In
Environmental Science from GCWUS. She is also a green blogger and an executive
member of marketing team of “The Earth Needs Love”
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