World Wetlands Day (02 February) History, Significance, Theme and Observation

World Wetlands Day Quick Facts

World Wetlands Day Brief

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 02 February all over the world. On 02 February 1971, different countries of the world signed a treaty for the protection of the world's wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, that is why this day is celebrated as 'World Wetlands Day' or 'World Wetlands Day' all over the world.

How to celebrate World Wetlands Day

Each year a theme is chosen to help focus and raise public awareness of the value of wetlands. Countries organize various events to raise awareness such as; Lectures seminars, Nature walks, Children's Art competitions, Total races, Community clean-up days, Radio and Television Interviews, letters to newspapers, launching of new wetland policies, new Ramsar sites, and new programs at the national level is done.

More info about World Wetlands Day

What is a Wetland Called?

Wetland means the moist or swampy area or water-saturated (saturated) land is called a wetland. Many areas are humid throughout the year. Wetlands are extremely sensitive to biodiversity. According to the convention in the city of Ramsar, Iran, a wetland is considered a place where water remains for eight months of the year. The soil of a wetland is the part of the bank of a lake, river, or large pond where abundant moisture is found. It also has many benefits. Wetlands make water free from pollution.

Importance of Wetlands:

• Natural Biodiversity is important for survival. They provide suitable habitats for endangered and rare species of birds and Animals, Plants, and Insects. Wetlands are also a haven for wintering birds and various fauna.
• Wetlands are extremely productive aquatic ecosystems.
• Wetlands are called biological supermarkets.
• Wetlands not only perform the function of water storage, but also reduce the danger of floods by capturing the excess water in the flood.
• Wetlands also play an important role in raising the groundwater level.
• Wetlands reduce the potential of hurricanes and hurricanes.

Wetlands in India:

In the Government of India, dry land has also been included under Ramsar wetlands. At present, there are 26 Ramsar wetlands notified in India. India identified 38 new wetlands for inclusion in 2010.

The Montreux Records Register of Ramsar Wetlands includes those wetlands that are or may be in danger. According to this, Keoladeo (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur) are threatened wetlands in India. Chilka Lake (Orissa) has been left out of this record.

Wetlands Conservation and Management Act 2010 (India):

The Central Wetlands Regulatory Authority has been established under this Act. This authority will have a total of 12 members including the chairman. 38 new wetlands have been identified under this Act. In the year 2011, the Government of India issued the notification of the Wetlands Conservation and Management Act 2010. Under this act, wetlands are divided into the following 6 classes:-

• Wetlands of International importance.
• environmental wetlands. Eg: National Park, Garan, etc.
• Wetlands are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• Wetlands of less than 2500 meters above mean sea level, covering an area of more than 500 hectares.
• Height more than 2500 meters above sea level but an area of more than 5 hectares.
• Such wetlands as having been identified by the Authority.

Important Days of February Month - (National Days and International Days):