World Wetlands Day
Marked every February 2 to commemorate the 1971 signing of the Ramsar Convention, raising awareness of the vital role wetlands play for life and climate.
Date2 February
TopicEnvironment & Sustainability
Established1997
Ways to observe this day
- Visit a nearby nature reserve or lake and explore its wildlife with your kids
- Join a cleanup event at a local wetland or waterway
- Learn about the wetlands in your own country and their role in groundwater supply
- Cut back on household water use to help protect water sources
On February 2, 1971, an international treaty for the protection of wetlands was signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea, later known as the Ramsar Convention. Starting in 1997, contracting parties began marking this date annually as World Wetlands Day, before the UN General Assembly formally adopted it in a 2021 resolution.
Wetlands include marshes, lakes, rivers, coastal areas, and mangroves, and rank among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. They supply fresh water and food to billions of people, host extraordinary biodiversity, and play a crucial role in purifying water, mitigating floods, and storing carbon.
Despite their importance, the world has lost around 35% of its wetlands since 1970 due to urban and agricultural expansion and climate change. Each year the day carries a different awareness theme, with field visits, school programs, and events at nature reserves worldwide encouraging the protection and sustainable use of these vital ecosystems.
