World Wetlands Day 2023

Tags: Important Days

World Wetlands Day is observed across the world on 2 February.

An overview of the news

• Wetlands Day marks the signing of a convention called the Ramsar Convention.

• The Convention on Wetlands was adopted on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, a city in Iran.

• This day is celebrated to raise awareness about wetlands.

• With 75 Ramsar sites spread over an area of over 1.3 million hectares, India has the largest number of wetlands in South Asia.

• The total number of Ramsar sites in the country has increased to 75. Whereas before 2014 it was only 26.

• The theme of World Wetlands 2023 is "It's time for wetlands restoration".

• The theme emphasises the urgent need to prioritise wetland restoration.

• In the Union Budget 2023-24, the government has proposed two schemes – Amrit Dharohar and Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income (Mishti) – to protect wetlands and mangroves.

What are Wetlands?

• Wetlands are vital not only for the ecosystems but our climate, providing essential services such as water regulation, flood control, and water purification.

• Wetlands are also capable of absorbing carbon dioxide.

• Wetlands are called “Kidneys of the Earth”.

What are Ramsar sites?

• A Ramsar site is a wetland site specifically designated for international importance as a waterfowl habitat under the Ramsar Convention.

• Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental environment treaty established in 1975 by UNESCO.

• Ramsar refers to wetlands of international importance in terms of site ecology, botany, zoology or hydrology.