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Wetland Day 2025 will be observed on February 2, 2025, to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and promote their conservation. This day marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty adopted in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, to protect wetlands worldwide.

In 2025, International Wetlands Day 2025 will focus on protecting wetlands for a sustainable future, emphasizing their role in biodiversity conservation, water purification, and climate regulation. Various events, discussions, and activities will be conducted globally to highlight the urgent need for wetland conservation.

Wetland Day 2025 Overview

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year to highlight the importance of wetlands in supporting both nature and human life. These ecosystems provide shelter to many plants and animals, help purify water, control floods, and store carbon.

The World Wetlands Day Theme 2025 aims to educate people on the importance of wetland conservation and encourage sustainable management of these crucial ecosystems.

What Are Wetlands?

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil either permanently or for certain periods of the year. These ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and providing essential environmental benefits. 

Wetlands come in various forms, including marshes, swamps, mangroves, peatlands, and lagoons. Each type has unique characteristics and supports different plant and animal species, making them vital for ecological balance and sustainability.

Importance of Wetlands

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and provide essential services like flood control and water purification. Their conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being. The importance of wetlands is as follows:

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to 40% of the world’s species, including fish, birds, and amphibians.
• Water Purification: Natural filters that remove pollutants from water.
• Flood Control: Act as natural barriers, absorbing excess water and preventing floods.
• Carbon Sequestration: Store twice as much carbon as forests, helping fight climate change.

Despite their importance, 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost since 1970 due to urbanization, pollution, and agricultural expansion. This highlights the urgent need for wetland conservation.

History of International Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day, established in 1997, commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971. In 2021, the United Nations officially recognized 2 February as World Wetlands Day. Initially aimed at raising awareness about wetland conservation, the event has grown into a global movement, engaging governments, NGOs, and communities. 

International Wetlands Day 2025 marks the 54th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention, signed on February 2, 1971.

Key Developments in the History of International Wetlands Day:

• 1971 – Ramsar Convention adopted to protect wetlands.
• 1997 – World Wetlands Day celebrated for the first time.
• 2021 – The UN officially recognized February 2 as World Wetlands Day.
• 2025 – The observance will align with COP15 of the Ramsar Convention in Zimbabwe.

Each year, a specific theme highlights a critical wetland conservation issue. The World Wetlands Day Theme 2025 focuses on “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”, emphasizing sustainable management of these fragile ecosystems.

Wetlands in India

India has 27,403 wetlands, covering 18.4% of its total land area. The country has eight types of wetlands, including marshes, mangroves, lakes, and floodplains.

Major Wetlands in India

1. Chilika Lake, Odisha – Largest coastal lagoon in India.
2. Sundarbans, West Bengal – Largest mangrove forest and home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
3. Loktak Lake, Manipur – Known for its floating islands (phumdis).
4. Wular Lake, Jammu & Kashmir – One of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia.
5. Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan – A famous bird sanctuary and UNESCO site.

Ramsar Sites (Wetlands) in India: State-wise Overview

India’s total number of Ramsar sites has increased to 85 as of December 2024, up from 80, with five more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites. Here is the list: As of 2025, India has 85 Ramsar sites, which are wetlands recognized for their international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Recently Added Ramsar Sites in India

Three new wetlands were designated Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85 by December 2024. The newly added sites are:

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): Located on the Noyyal River, it was once an irrigation reservoir and has become an important ecosystem supporting various bird species and local livelihoods through fishing.
• Kazhuveli Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): On the Coromandel Coast, this large brackish water wetland is vital for endangered species and serves as a migratory stopover, contributing to flood control and groundwater recharge.
• Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh): A crucial wintering ground for migratory birds, this reservoir provides water for irrigation, and drinking, and supports local fisheries, playing a key role in regional water management.

Wetland Conservation in India

Wetland conservation in India is vital for maintaining biodiversity, supporting migratory birds, and ensuring water security. The country has designated numerous wetlands as Ramsar sites to protect these crucial ecosystems and their benefits.

• Government Initiatives:

• Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017

• • • Regulates activities in protected wetlands.
    • Restricts pollution, land conversion, and encroachments.
  • National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP)
    • Provides financial and technical support for wetland restoration.
  • Talab Bachao Abhiyan
    • Community-driven initiative to protect small ponds and lakes.
  • Wetlands Rejuvenation Programme
    • Focuses on restoring degraded wetlands to improve their ecological balance.
• International Efforts:
  • Ramsar Convention (1971)

• The global treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use.

• Wetlands International
  • Works globally to restore wetlands and prevent their destruction.

Conclusion

Wetland Day 2025 is a reminder that wetlands are critical for life on Earth. These ecosystems provide clean water, biodiversity, climate regulation, and flood protection. However, wetland degradation continues at an alarming rate, making conservation efforts more urgent than ever.

With the World Wetlands Day Theme 2025 focusing on “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future”, it is essential for governments, organizations, and individuals to work together for wetland conservation and sustainable management.

Wetland Day 2025 FAQs