World Wetlands Day 2017 observed globally

2 February: World Wetlands Day

The World Wetlands Day was observed globally on 2 February 2017 with the theme 'Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction'.

The theme 'Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction' is aimed at raising the awareness of healthy wetlands in reducing the impacts of extreme events such as floods, droughts and cyclones on communities.

In September 2016, Ramsar Convention and UNESCO together prepared the report titled 'Managing MIDAs-Harmonizing the Management of Multi-Internationally Designated Areas: Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks'. The report was aimed at supporting the integrated management of wetlands.

Background
World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

The Ramsar Convention has been celebrating the World Wetlands Day every year since 1997 to help raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands. Presently, there are 2260 Wetlands of International importance covering over 2.15 million square kilometres.