Exploring World Wetlands Day 2024: Unraveling the date, rich history, and profound significance

PTC News Desk: Wetlands, marked by ecosystems dominated by water, serve as the lifeblood for diverse flora and fauna. Be it freshwater or marine/coastal, these areas encompass swamps, wet grasslands, marshes, coral reefs, mangroves, and even manmade sites like rice paddies, reservoirs, saltpans, and fishponds. Acting as a primary controlling factor, water in these ecosystems shapes the intricate balance of animal and plant life.

The contribution of wetlands extends beyond their physical boundaries. They play a crucial role in sustaining the lives of both humans and animals, and their impact resonates on a global scale. Wetlands are integral to the well-being of our planet, emphasizing their environmental significance. Each year, World Wetlands Day serves as a dedicated occasion to raise awareness about the paramount importance of wetlands. It shines a spotlight on their role in sustaining life and emphasizes their significance for the environment.

As we prepare to celebrate World Wetlands Day in the current year, let's reflect on these vital aspects and acknowledge the profound impact that wetlands have on our world.

Date:

Annually, World Wetlands Day is commemorated on February 2. This year, the noteworthy occasion coincides with a Friday.

History:

Encompassing merely six percent of the Earth's surface, wetlands host over forty percent of the world's animal and plant species, serving as vital ecosystems for their breeding and habitation. The Ramsar Convention, named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, became an international treaty dedicated to wetland conservation, officially signed on February 2, 1971.

The observance of World Wetlands Day began thereafter. Recognising the significance of this initiative, the UN General Assembly, on August 30, 2021, adopted Resolution 75/317, officially designating February 2 as World Wetlands Day.

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Significance:

Wetlands play a crucial role in flood control, water purification, and water regulation. Despite their vital contributions, wetlands are vanishing at a rate three times faster than forests. 

Human activities, including drainage, pollution, overfishing, and the overexploitation of natural resources, pose imminent threats to these ecosystems. On World Wetlands Day, it is imperative to commit to taking essential measures to safeguard wetlands, ensuring their flourishing existence and ongoing positive impact on our planet. The theme for this year revolves around "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," emphasising the interconnected relationship between wetlands and the well-being of humanity.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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