World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is an annual international observance, created to raise awareness of the value and importance of wetlands, their contribution to biodiversity, and the necessity to protect these unique and vital ecosystems. These diverse landscapes, found in every country, support countless animal and plant species, filter water, store carbon, and can even mitigate natural disasters. The Observance seeks to engage communities worldwide through environmental education, conservation volunteering, and sustainable management actions to safeguard these valuable habitats.

The inception of World Wetlands Day stems from the 1971 Ramsar Convention in Iran, which Australia promptly joined as a key founding member. Australia's abundant wetlands, accounting for an estimated 8% of the earth's wetland areas, are vital for both local and international ecosystems. Many migratory birds that breed in Northern Hemisphere countries such as China and Russia fly south to spend their non-breeding seasons in Australia's wetlands, making conservation efforts crucial. Furthermore, Indigenous Australians have maintained strong environmental and cultural links with wetlands for thousands of years, enhancing their significance within the nation.

World Wetlands Day is marked in Australia with various environmental activities such as community clean-ups, bird watching and plant species identification, wetland restoration efforts, and educational workshops on the importance of preserving wetlands. These events, run by environmental groups, schools, and government agencies, are designed to foster community engagement and awareness. Wetland conservation is an ongoing commitment; whilst World Wetlands Day occurs globally on February 2nd each year, Australia's initiatives run throughout the year to ensure continuous attention on wetland protection and biodiversity conservation.