The International Day of Wetlands is celebrated annually on February 2. 

This day was established in 1997 to honor the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. The convention aims to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of wetlands, which play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing freshwater.

The International Day emphasizes the importance of wetland ecosystems for both nature and humans. These include swamps, peatlands, river floodplains, lakes, estuaries, mangrove forests, coral reefs, marine areas up to a depth of 6 meters, as well as artificial structures such as reservoirs and wastewater treatment ponds.

Although wetlands cover only 6% of the Earth's land surface, they are home to 40% of all species of flora and fauna. These ecosystems play a key role in maintaining the planet's balance. Over one billion people worldwide depend on wetlands for their livelihoods. However, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests. Since 1970, 35% of their area has been lost. The main causes of degradation are drainage for agriculture and urban development, pollution, overexploitation of resources, climate change, and the spread of invasive species. Protecting wetlands is a vital step toward a sustainable future.

The theme for 2025 is "Wetlands and Our Future." This year's theme aims to highlight how all aspects of human well-being are connected to the health of the world's wetlands.

In 2025, fr om July 23 to 31, a Wetlands Conference will be held in Zimbabwe, wh ere Ramsar Convention member states will discuss a three-year plan for the conservation and protection of these ecosystems.

Events for the International Day of Wetlands can be found through this link.