Why is it in the news?
→ World Wetlands Day 2026 highlighted the link between wetlands and traditional knowledge systems.
→ The 2026 theme focuses on cultural heritage and the role of indigenous and local communities.
Category
Environment
Important Points
- World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.
- It was first celebrated in 1997.
- It has been a United Nations International Day since 2022.
- World Wetlands Day 2026 theme: “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”.
- It marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention signed on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
- The Ramsar Convention is also called the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
- It is the only international agreement focused entirely on wetlands.
- There are 172 Contracting Parties to the convention.
- There are over 2500 listed Ramsar wetlands worldwide.
- The Convention Secretariat leads the annual campaign with participation from governments, NGOs, youth groups, and communities.