World Wetlands Day History Benefits of a wetland Benefits of grasslands Mpumalanga twin treasures Treats to wetlands Treats to grasslands Theme for 2015 2 February each year is World Wetlands Day.
This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Each year since 1997, the Ramsar Secretariat has provided materials so that government agencies, non- governmental organizations, conservation organizations, and groups of citizens can help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands.
HE FUTURE OF HUMANITY DEPENDS ON WETLANDS
They purify and replenish our water, and provide the fish and rice that feed billions. Wetlands act as a natural sponge against flooding and drought, and protect our coastlines.
They burst with biodiversity, and are a vital means of storing carbon Unfortunately, these benefits are not widely known. Often viewed as wasteland, 64% of our wetlands have disappeared since 1900.
Help us turn the tide on the loss and degradation of our wetlands. Join us for World Wetlands Day 2015 – and beyond! Here’s how you can get involved:
