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”