World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day is an international observance aimed at raising awareness about the vital role that wetlands play in the ecosystem. Wetlands, which include marshes, swamps, bogs, and other watery landscapes, provide essential habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and contribute to the health of the environment by filtering pollutants, recharging groundwater supplies, and mitigating the impacts of floods and climate change. The day is an occasion to recognize the importance of these habitats and reaffirm our commitment towards their conservation, restoration, and wise-use.

The origins of World Wetlands Day trace back to the 1971 "Convention on Wetlands", held in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Canadians have a particular connection to this event: Canada is one of the 18 original signatories to the Ramsar Convention, and the country boasts 37 Ramsar sites, conservation areas recognized for their international significance. These sites cover a total of over 13 million hectares, making Canada home to more Ramsar-designated land than any other nation. World Wetlands Day is thus a chance for Canadians to celebrate these national treasures and reflect on their role in sustaining them for future generations.

In Canada, World Wetlands Day is marked by a variety of events and activities. These include educational programming, community-led cleanups and restoration projects, and social media campaigns designed to boost public awareness and engagement. The day is observed each year on the 2nd of February, a date chosen to commemorate the original signing of the Ramsar Convention. Whether by participating in a local event or simply appreciating Canada's wealth of wetland ecosystems, each of us can play a part in preserving these vital habitats and the biodiversity they support.