Every year on February 2, people worldwide observe World Wetlands Day. The purpose of the day is to educate people about the importance of wetlands and various strategies for restoring their rapid degradation and loss.
The ecological balance is maintained vastly by wetlands. Approximately 40 per cent of all plant and animal species can be found in wetlands, where they can reproduce and grow. The environment will suffer greatly if wetlands are destroyed. Millions of plant and animal species find their natural habitat in wetlands.
Many human activities including urbanisation, agriculture, and pollution, threaten wetlands. The wetland area has decreased as a result, and several wildlife habitats have been lost. It also reminds people about the adverse effects that climate change has on the environment. The goal of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness of how crucial it is to protect and restore wetlands to preserve both their survival and the survival of the species that depend on them.
The first adoption of the Convention on Wetlands, an international agreement, took place at Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. The United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 75/317 in honour of World Wetlands Day on August 30, 2021.
#WorldWetlandsDay trends on Twitter
Sharing a video on the importance of saving wetlands UN Development said, “Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation, the global economy and more. Yet, since 1970, 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. On #WorldWetlandsDay, here are reasons why we must take action to #RestoreWetlands.”
Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation, the global economy and more.
Yet, since 1970, 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost.
On #WorldWetlandsDay, here are 5️⃣ reasons why we must take action to #RestoreWetlands. pic.twitter.com/jryKQCf1aj
— UN Development (@UNDP) February 2, 2023
“On #WorldWetlandsDay, let us raise awareness about protecting and conserving the wetlands, which are most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as home to a wide range of plant and animal life. They bring about ecological health to water bodies & environment as a whole,” wrote Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “The wetlands are dependable for diverse ecosystems and the biodiversity will be degraded if the wetlands cease to exist. On the occasion of #WorldWetlandsDay, let’s pledge to its sustainable restoration.”
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik said, “Wetlands are ‘Kidneys of the Earth’ and play critical role in ecosystem, climate mitigation and freshwater availability. On #WorldWetlandsDay, let’s protect our wetlands which provide a cushion against climate hazards & pledge to preserve @RamsarConv sites-Chilika & Bhitarkanika.”
“Wetlands are important for people and the planet. It plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of #ClimateChange. On #WorldWetlandsDay, I commend all those committed to the conservation of #Wetlands. Let us commit to raise awareness and prioritise,” stated Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
