World Wetlands Day

What is World Wetlands Day?

World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on the 2nd February. It is a day set aside to actively raise awareness about wetland areas. The day marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an International Treaty in 1971.

Why is World Wetlands Day important?

Since the 1700’s, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded. We are now losing these vital habits three times faster than forests – this in turn has a dramatic effect on the world’s delicately balanced ecosystem. These important ecosystems contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and world economies to name but a few.

It is vital that we raise national and global awareness about wetlands in order to reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them. World Wetlands Day is the ideal time to increase people’s understanding of these critically important ecosystems.

What is the theme for World Wetlands Day in 2023?

“Wetland Restoration” is the theme for 2023. This highlights the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration.

UK Projects: How to get involved…

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) is the UK's leading wetland conservation charity. They are a community of dedicated staff, volunteers and members, brought together by a love of wetlands and a drive to protect them. WWT has many ongoing conservation projects, designed to strengthen the link between wetlands, wildlife and communities in the UK and beyond.

WWT have created thousands of hectares of wetland habitat within carefully protected and maintained nature reserves. These offer invaluable protection to endangered species.

Bringing nature to everyone
The world’s first wetland centre was created by Sir Peter Scott at Slimbridge in 1946. Sir Peter considered immersion in nature to be good for us both mentally and physically. These fantastic wetland reserves can truly help you get closer to nature. Each wetland site is carefully managed to help fight both the decline of wildlife and support the natural landscape. Everything is carefully monitored, from grass length to tree height and pool depth,

Migratory birds
The UK is situated in a zone, globally important for migratory birds. The WWT’s ten wetland sites, spread across the country are ideally located to provide support to these many migratory birds.

Endangered species
Wetland sites have international breeding programmes, with collections of non-native endangered species from around the world - some in real danger from extinction in the wild.  Specialist teams of aviculturists have developed unrivalled skills in rearing rare species. Sites are also imperative to research, and test and trial tracking equipment.

Plan a visit
The wetland reserves are situated throughout the UK, with numerous events and activities planned throughout the year. Find a location or event near you:  https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres