Learn about Wetland Day 2025, its significance, theme, and global conservation efforts. Discover India's Ramsar sites, the role of wetlands in biodiversity, and key government and international initiatives for their protection.
theIAShub | 03 Feb, 2025 | 422 | 0
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.
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.
| Key Highlights of Wetland Day 2025 | |
| Date | February 2, 2025 |
| Theme | Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future |
| Observed Since | 1997 (Officially recognized by the UN in 2021) |
| Significance | Raises awareness about wetlands’ role in climate balance, biodiversity, and water management |
| Organizer | Ramsar Secretariat in collaboration with UNESCO |
| Global Observance | Workshops, seminars, cleanup drives, wetland restoration projects |
The World Wetlands Day Theme 2025 aims to educate people on the importance of wetland conservation and encourage sustainable management of these crucial ecosystems.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
| State | Designated Wetland Sites |
| Andhra Pradesh (1) | Kolleru Lake |
| Tamil Nadu (18) | Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vembanur Wetland Complex, Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pichavaram Mangrove, Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, Point Calimere Wildlife Bird Sanctuary, Kazhuveli Sanctuary, Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary |
| Kerala (3) | Vembanad Kol Wetland, Sasthamkotta Lake, Ashtamudi Wetland |
| Karnataka (4) | Aghanashini Estuary, Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ranganathittu BS, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve |
| Maharashtra (3) | Nandur Madhameshwar, Lonar Lake, Thane Creek |
| Goa (1) | Nanda Lake |
| Gujarat (4) | Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Vadhvana Wetland, Khijadiya Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Rajasthan (2) | Sambhar Lake, Keoladeo National Park |
| Uttar Pradesh (10) | Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Haiderpur Wetland, Upper-Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch), Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Sarsai Nawar Jheel, Sur Sarovar, Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Saman Bird Sanctuary, Paravai Agra Bird Sanctuary, Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary |
| Haryana (2) | Sultanpur National Park, Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Madhya Pradesh (5) | Yashwant Sagar, Sakhya Sagar, Sirpur Wetland, Bhoj Wetland, Tawa Reservoir |
| Bihar (3) | Kanwar Lake (Kabartl Wetland), Nagi Bird Sanctuary, Nakti Bird Sanctuary |
| Odisha (6) | Ansupa Lake, Hirakud Reservoir, Tampara Lake, Chilka Lake, Satkosia Gorge, Bhitarkanika Mangrove |
| West Bengal (2) | East Kolkata Wetlands, Sunderban Wetland |
| Punjab (6) | Harike Lake, Beas Conservation Reserve, Kanjli Lake, Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Ropar Wetland |
| Himachal Pradesh (3) | Chandra Taal, Pong Dam Lake, Renuka Lake |
| Jammu and Kashmir (5) | Shallbugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Hokera Wetland, Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Wular Lake |
| UT of Ladakh (2) | Tso Kar Wetland Complex, Tsomoriri Lake |
| Uttarakhand (1) | Asan Conservation Reserve |
| Mizoram (1) | Pala Wetland |
| Manipur (1) | Loktak Lake |
| Assam (1) | Deepor Beel |
| Tripura (1) | Rudrasagar Lake |
Three new wetlands were designated Ramsar sites, bringing the total to 85 by December 2024. The newly added sites are:
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.
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.
It is celebrated to raise awareness about wetlands' importance and promote global conservation efforts.
Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention for their ecological significance.
As of 2025, India has 85 Ramsar Sites, including Chilika Lake, Loktak Lake, and Sundarbans.
People can join clean-up drives, reduce pollution, support NGOs, and spread awareness about wetlands.
Explore IAS Hub Courses for the upcoming UPSC Prelims 2025 and Mains Exam.
| Related Articles | |
| SpaDex Mission | National Sports Award 2024 |
| 150 Years of IMD | Indian Army Day |
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
theIAShub is dedicated to shaping the next generation of civil
servants by providing a transformative preparation platform tailored
to the unique challenges of UPSC CSE. From mastering the
foundational concepts for Prelims to crafting impactful answers for
Mains and excelling in the Personality Test, we ensure every
aspirant is equipped with the skills and strategies required to
succeed.
With a perfect blend of online and offline learning options, our
programs are designed to deliver personalized guidance and
cutting-edge resources. theIAShub’s renowned Test Series for GS
Prelims, Mains, CSAT, Essay, and Optional Subjects empowers
aspirants through continuous evaluation and improvement, fostering a
deep understanding and readiness for every stage of the examination.
At theIAShub, our mission is to inspire, guide, and empower aspirants to transform their potential into tangible success. Through our innovative mentorship ecosystem, aspirants receive individualized feedback, actionable strategies, and focused attention that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. As pioneers in UPSC preparation, we combine expertise, innovation, and commitment to create an unparalleled learning experience. Whether through engaging workshops, insightful resources, or interactive sessions, theIAShub fosters a community where aspirants not only prepare for exams but also develop the mindset of future leaders dedicated to nation-building.
Join theIAShub and become part of a transformative journey, where your aspirations meet the guidance, support, and excellence needed to succeed in the world of civil services.
