World Wetlands Day 2026 Theme, History and Significance

World Wetlands Day 2026 is observed globally to highlight the critical importance of wetlands for ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and human well-being. Celebrated every year on 2 February, the day commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

As wetlands continue to face severe degradation due to human activities and climate change, World Wetlands Day significance has grown steadily, making it a key environmental observance recognised by governments, international organisations, and conservation agencies worldwide.

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What is World Wetlands Day 2026?

World Wetlands Day 2026 marks an important annual observance on February 2. This day raises awareness about the crucial value of wetlands for both people and the planet. These notes focus on understanding what wetlands are, why they are important, and how international efforts like the Ramsar Convention help protect them.

Wetlands are essential ecosystems that play a significant role in Earth’s biodiversity and human well-being. Understanding their nature and conservation is vital for environmental studies.

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World Wetlands Day Theme 2026

World Wetlands Day theme 2026 is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” This theme highlights the strong connection between wetlands and indigenous knowledge systems. It recognises the role of traditional practices, community stewardship, and cultural heritage in conserving wetlands over generations. The theme also stresses the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with local wisdom for sustainable wetland management.

World Wetlands Day Significance

Wetlands are vital for nature and people. They provide many benefits and services. These benefits are environmental, climatic, ecological, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational, and aesthetic.

• Biodiversity: Though covering only 6% of Earth’s land, wetlands host 40% of all plant and animal species. They serve as breeding grounds for many.
• Ecosystem Services: They regulate water, including flood control and water purification. They also support food supply, tourism, and jobs.
• Livelihoods: Over one billion people worldwide depend on wetlands for their livelihoods.

Threats to Wetlands

Wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems globally. They are disappearing three times faster than forests. Since 1970, 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost.

Key threats include:

• Human Activities: Drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction.
• Pollution: Contamination of water and soil.
• Overexploitation: Overfishing and overuse of natural resources.
• Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native plants and animals.
• Climate Change: Adverse impacts from global warming.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides a framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Under the convention, wetlands of international importance are designated as Ramsar Sites based on ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological, or hydrological criteria. The convention emphasises sustainable management rather than strict protection, ensuring that wetlands continue to provide benefits for present and future generations.

Ramsar Sites in India

India has made significant progress in wetland conservation through the Ramsar framework. As of February 2026, the country has 98 Ramsar sites in India, marking a major expansion in the recognition of wetlands of international importance.

The number of Ramsar sites has increased from just 26 in 2014 to 98 by 2026, covering more than 13.6 lakh hectares. With this achievement, India ranks first in Asia and third globally, after the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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New Wetlands Sites in India Added in 2026

Two new wetlands were added to the Ramsar list in 2026:

• Patna Bird Sanctuary, Etah district, Uttar Pradesh
• Chhari-Dhand, Kutch district, Gujarat

Tamil Nadu continues to have the highest number of Ramsar sites among Indian states.

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