World Wetlands Day 2025 Date, Theme, Significance
World Wetlands Day 2025 will be observed on February 2nd. The theme of World Wetlands Day 2025 is ‘Protecting wetlands for our common future’.
Deeksha Dixit28 Jan, 2025
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World Wetlands Day 2025 will be celebrated on 2 February 2025 with key events in Zimbabwe. This day is observed annually to commemorate the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The 2025 International Wetlands Day or World Wetlands Day will be observed with the theme ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future' reminding us about the importance of this crucial resource for both environmental and human well-being.
World Wetlands Day 2025 Overview
World Wetlands Day is observed every year to highlight the importance of wetlands and their critical role in sustaining biodiversity and human livelihoods. This global event raises awareness about conserving these important ecosystems, which are under increasing threat.| World Wetlands Day 2025 Overview | |
| Date | February 2, 2025 |
| Theme | Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future |
| 2025 Observance | Coincides with COP15 (15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention) in Zimbabwe, July 2025. |
| Inception | First observed on February 2, 1997 |
| Objectives |
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| Organizer | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ramsar Secretariat. |
| Historical Context | The Ramsar Convention was adopted on this day in 1971 |
| Importance | Wetlands host 40% of the world’s species and provide essential ecosystem services like water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration. |
| Official Website | www.worldwetlandsday.org |
What is a Wetland?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface , either permanently or seasonally. These ecosystems include marshes, swamps, peatlands, lagoons, mangroves, and floodplains. Wetlands serve as habitats for diverse species, act as natural water purifiers, and help mitigate the effects of climate change. However, since 1970, around 35% of the global wetland area has been lost , primarily due to human activities such as drainage for agriculture, urban development, and pollution. This alarming decline called for global action to protect these critical ecosystems for the benefit of future generations.History of International Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day was established in 1997 to mark the signing of the Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971. The United Nations officially recognised 2 February as World Wetlands Day in 2021. Initially, the event focused on raising awareness about wetland conservation. Over the years, it has evolved into a global movement involving governments, NGOs, and communities.World Wetlands Day Theme 2025
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025 is "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future." It highlights the urgent need to take action in order to protect wetland ecosystems, ensuring their benefits are preserved for both present and future generations.
Credit: iwmi.org
List of Wetlands in India
India, with 27,403 wetlands covering 18.4% of its land area (excluding rivers), is home to a wide range of wetland types, including marshes, swamps, and mangroves. India’s wetlands are grouped into eight categories based on their location:- Reservoirs of the Deccan Plateau and wetlands along the southwest coast.
- Saline wetlands in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Gulf of Kutch.
- Freshwater lakes and reservoirs from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh.
- Delta wetlands and lagoons on the east coast, like Chilka Lake.
- Freshwater marshes in the Gangetic Plains and Brahmaputra floodplains.
- Marshes and swamps in northeast India and the Himalayan foothills.
- Lakes and rivers in Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Mangroves and wetlands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Efforts for Wetland Conservation
Efforts to conserve wetlands are mainly guided by the Ramsar Convention, which supports the sustainable management and protection of wetlands around the world.Wetland Conservation in India
In India, efforts to conserve wetlands began in 1987, with a primary focus on biological methods of conservation. Here are some of the key conservation initiatives:- Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017: These rules were introduced to regulate conservation and sustainable management and strengthen legal protections for various types of wetlands.
- Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme: This program aims to restore and rejuvenate important wetlands by improving their ecological health through various conservation activities and community involvement.
- Talab Bachao Abhiyan: A local initiative aimed at conserving and protecting ponds (talabs) in India, focusing on reviving water bodies and promoting sustainable water management practices.
- National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP): It aims to promote the sustainable management of wetlands across India through policy support and funding for restoration
International Wetland Conservation Initiatives
Efforts to conserve wetlands on a global scale involve various organizations and treaties working together to protect these ecosystems:- Ramsar Convention: The Ramsar Convention, officially known as the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, was adopted in 1971 and came into force in 1975. It serves as a global framework for the protection and sustainable management of wetlands.
- Wetlands International: Wetlands International is a global organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands. It works with governments, communities, and other stakeholders to promote better policies, research, and practices for wetland protection and sustainable use across the globe.
Significance of World Wetlands Day 2025
World Wetlands Day is important because it helps people understand how valuable wetlands are to our planet. In 2025, this day encourages global efforts to conserve them for future generations:- Important Ecosystem Services: Wetlands help clean water, control floods, store carbon, and provide homes for many types of animals and plants.
- Anniversary of the Ramsar Convention: World Wetlands Day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, an international agreement to protect wetlands worldwide.
- Growing Concern Over Wetland Loss: The day reminds us of the urgent need to stop wetlands from disappearing, as they are being lost three times faster than forests.
- Global Efforts to Protect Wetlands: Around the world, events like workshops, clean-ups, and restoration projects are held to raise awareness and take action for wetland conservation.
- Encouraging Community Participation: People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to take part in activities, helping everyone play a role in protecting wetlands for the future.
World Wetlands Day 2025 FAQs
When is World Wetlands Day 2025?
World Wetlands Day 2025 will be observed on 2 February 2025.
What is the theme for World Wetlands Day 2025?
The theme for Wetlands Day 2025 is ‘Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future'.
How many Ramsar Sites are there in India?
India has 85 Ramsar Sites as of 2025. The surface area covered by Ramsar sites in India is around 1.34 million hectares.
Why do we celebrate World Wetlands Day?
World Wetlands Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands for the environment and human well-being. It marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, which was adopted on February 2, 1971.
What are the Wetland Conservation and Management Rules 2017?
These rules regulate activities in wetlands to prevent degradation and promote sustainable management.
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