World Wetlands Day 2013

The World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2, in order to remember the importance of wetlands and why must they be preserved and used rationally. On February 2, 1972, the Convention of the Wetlands was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Since then, the Ramsar convention summons national governments, NGOs and citizens to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.

Wetlands around the world are endangered due to rising human activity, such as an increased use of water, urban expansion, industries and other activities. It is important to improve management efforts and policies on wetlands, to preserve water resources and the associated ecosystems.

In order to generate consciousness among the population, several nations and organizations are promoting activities for the World Wetlands Day, such as visiting national parks and natural wetland reserves, or conferences and seminars to discuss investigation and research.  (World Wetlands Day activities on Andean nations).

The Ramsar Convention issued posters and other materials to be distributed in activities, which explain the importance of wetlands ecosystems. They can be reviewed here. Also, the Animal Rights Nepal (ARN) Association is hosting a photo exhibition by photographer Krishna Mani Baral, on Lekhnath Udhyog Banijya Sangh Hall, Lekhnath, in Nepal.