World Wetlands Day 2026
World Wetlands Day 2026
Event Date: 2 February 2026
Recognizing Body: United Nations General Assembly; Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
Short Event Descriptor: World Wetlands Day 2026 is an international observance recognizing the importance of wetlands and commemorating the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
What the Event Is
World Wetlands Day 2026 is an internationally recognized observance held annually on 2 February to raise awareness of the role of wetlands in environmental sustainability and human well-being. The date marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
World Wetlands Day serves as a reference point for governments, institutions, researchers, and the public to examine the status, value, and conservation of wetlands worldwide.
Origins and Background
World Wetlands Day is directly linked to the Convention on Wetlands, an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2 February 1971 to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. The convention, commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, was the first modern global environmental agreement focused on a specific ecosystem.
The observance of World Wetlands Day began in 1997, when Contracting Parties to the convention initiated an annual opportunity to increase global awareness of wetlands and their functions. As of the mid-2020s, the convention includes more than 170 Contracting Parties.
Purpose and Scope of the Event
The purpose of World Wetlands Day 2026 is to document and communicate the ecological, social, and economic importance of wetlands. Wetlands contribute to water regulation, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and cultural practices across regions.
The scope of the event is global, encompassing freshwater and coastal wetlands such as marshes, peatlands, rivers, lakes, mangroves, and coral-associated ecosystems, as defined under the Convention on Wetlands.
Event Theme (Current or Upcoming)
Theme: Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2026 has been officially announced by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands. It examines the connections between wetlands and the traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and heritage of communities that depend on and manage these ecosystems.
World Wetlands Day Themes
| Year | Theme | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | WWD Celebrated for the First Time | Marked the inaugural celebration of World Wetlands Day to promote wetland awareness. |
| 1998 | Importance of Water to Life & Role of Wetlands in Water Supply | Highlighted the critical role wetlands play in providing and sustaining water resources. |
| 1999 | People and Wetlands – The Vital Link | Focused on the essential connection between people and wetlands for sustainability. |
| 2000 | Celebrating Our Wetlands of International Importance | Celebrated wetlands globally recognized for their environmental significance. |
| 2001 | A Wetland World – A World to Discover | Encouraged exploration and appreciation of the diverse world of wetlands. |
| 2002 | Wetlands: Water, Life, and Culture | Emphasized the role of wetlands in supporting water, life, and cultural heritage. |
| 2003 | No Wetlands – No Water | Stressed the crucial link between wetland preservation and water availability. |
| 2004 | From the Mountains to the Sea – Wetlands at Work for Us | Highlighted wetlands' role in ecosystems from mountains to coastal areas. |
| 2005 | There's Wealth in Wetland Diversity – Don't Lose It | Focused on preserving biodiversity within wetland ecosystems. |
| 2006 | Livelihoods at Risk | Discussed the impact of wetland degradation on livelihoods. |
| 2007 | Fish for Tomorrow? | Addressed the importance of wetlands for sustaining fish populations. |
| 2008 | Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People | Linked wetland health to human health and well-being. |
| 2009 | Upstream, Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us All | Emphasized the interconnectedness of wetlands in water systems. |
| 2010 | Caring for Wetlands – An Answer to Climate Change | Promoted wetland conservation as a strategy for climate change mitigation. |
| 2011 | Forests for Water and Wetlands | Focused on the relationship between forests, water resources, and wetlands. |
| 2012 | Wetland Tourism: A Great Experience | Highlighted the benefits of sustainable tourism in wetlands. |
| 2013 | Wetlands Take Care of Water | Emphasized wetlands’ role in water management and quality. |
| 2014 | Wetlands and Agriculture: Partners for Growth | Promoted the sustainable coexistence of wetlands and agriculture. |
| 2015 | Wetlands for Our Future | Called for wetland preservation to ensure a sustainable future. |
| 2016 | Wetlands for Our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods | Focused on how wetlands support sustainable livelihoods globally. |
| 2017 | Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction | Showcased wetlands' role in mitigating natural disasters. |
| 2018 | Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future | Explored how wetlands contribute to sustainable urban environments. |
| 2019 | Wetlands and Climate Change | Focused on wetlands’ importance in combating climate change. |
| 2020 | Wetlands and Biodiversity | Highlighted the rich biodiversity supported by wetland ecosystems. |
| 2021 | Wetlands and Water | Emphasized wetlands' critical role in water supply and purification. |
| 2022 | Wetlands Action for People and Nature | Encouraged active efforts to protect wetlands for people and ecosystems. |
| 2023 | It’s Time for Wetland Restoration | Focused on the global need for wetland restoration to ensure a healthy planet. |
| 2024 | Wetlands and Human Wellbeing | Emphasized the vital role of wetlands in supporting human health and well-being. |
| 2025 | Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future | Highlighted the importance of wetlands for people and the environment and encouraged action to protect them. |
| 2026 | Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage | Examines cultural knowledge systems connected to wetland stewardship. |
Connection to the Sustainable Development Goals
World Wetlands Day 2026 is linked to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its documented focus on ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource management.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Wetlands contribute to water purification, groundwater recharge, and regulation of freshwater availability.
SDG 13: Climate Action – Wetlands store carbon and help reduce the impacts of climate-related flooding and drought.
SDG 15: Life on Land – Wetlands provide habitats for a wide range of species and support terrestrial biodiversity.
How the Event Is Observed
World Wetlands Day 2026 is observed through institutional events, educational activities, research publications, and awareness campaigns organized by governments, academic institutions, and environmental organizations. Activities vary by country and region and are coordinated independently by participating entities.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands maintains global information resources documenting observances and related initiatives.
Key Facts at a Glance
Date: 2 February 2026
First observed: 1997
Established by: Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention)
UN recognition: United Nations General Assembly Resolution 75/317 (2021)
Global scope: International
Frequently Asked Questions – World Wetlands Day 2026
What is World Wetlands Day 2026?
World Wetlands Day 2026 is an international observance marking the importance of wetlands and the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention. It is held annually on 2 February and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
Why is World Wetlands Day observed on 2 February?
World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February because the Convention on Wetlands was signed on that date in 1971. The date links the observance directly to the treaty’s adoption.
Who recognizes World Wetlands Day 2026?
World Wetlands Day 2026 is recognized by the United Nations General Assembly and organized internationally through the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands. Many governments and institutions also acknowledge the observance.
What is the theme of World Wetlands Day 2026?
World Wetlands Day 2026 carries the theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The theme has been officially announced by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands.
When was World Wetlands Day first celebrated?
World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. It was established by Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands to raise awareness of wetland conservation.
Is World Wetlands Day an official United Nations day?
World Wetlands Day was formally established as a United Nations International Day in 2021. The designation was adopted through UN General Assembly Resolution 75/317.
References
Convention on Wetlands. “World Wetlands Day.” Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands. https://www.worldwetlandsday.org
United Nations General Assembly. “Resolution 75/317: World Wetlands Day.” United Nations. https://undocs.org/A/RES/75/317
Ramsar Convention Secretariat. “History of the Ramsar Convention.” Convention on Wetlands. https://www.ramsar.org
