World Wetlands Day: preserve today for a sustainable tomorrow
February 2nd marks World Wetlands Day, a key date to reflect on the importance of these essential ecosystems for life on Earth. This year, under the theme “Protecting wetlands for our common future”, the message focuses on the need to preserve these environments to ensure our long-term sustainability and well-being: “By valuing and protecting these vital ecosystems - and inspiring action on their behalf – together, we can safeguard our common future and wellbeing.”
The celebration also coincides with an important milestone: the theme will also be the focus of the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), scheduled for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This international gathering will bring together 172 member countries of the Ramsar Convention to chart the course for wetland conservation over the next three years, underlining the need for collaboration and precision.
Join the campaign by using the hashtags #WWD2025, #WetlandsForOurCommonFuture and #WetlandsCOP15
Why are wetlands essential for humankind?
“Wherever land meets water, life abounds. Wetlands exist in every corner of this beautiful planet and are the arteries and veins of the Earth. Majestic and mighty, wetlands are a sight to behold,” said Dr Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands. This statement encapsulates the intrinsic value of wetlands, ecosystems that cover more than 12.1 million square kilometres, about 6% of the Earth's land surface. Their biodiversity is staggering: they are home to 40% of known species, from endemic plants and animals to endangered species.
These natural environments include a wide variety of habitats, such as marshes, swamps, mangroves and peat bogs. Their richness lies not only in their biodiversity, but also in the services they provide: they regulate freshwater, filter pollutants, protect against natural disasters and support local economies through fisheries, agriculture and tourism.
Since the earliest civilisations, wetlands have been a source of life and development. They were the site of the first human settlements because of their ability to provide freshwater and food. Today, their role remains crucial: more than 1 billion people depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods, earning their living in ways that provide food, water supply, transport and recreation through them.
In addition to their economic and social importance, wetlands are indispensable allies in the fight against climate change: they are the most effective ecosystems in absorbing carbon. For example, a wetland of just 4,000 square metres can store up to 5.7 million litres of water, mitigating the effects of floods and droughts.
Yet despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate. More than 85% have been destroyed since the 18th century, and at least 35% have been lost since 1970. Unsustainable development, pollution, overexploitation of resources and climate change are the main threats.
The challenge of conservation and a future that depends on us all
Despite their importance, wetlands are the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. According to recent data, the rate of wetland loss is three times faster than that of forests. This decline has a devastating impact on biodiversity: 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal and marine species have declined in the last fifty years, and freshwater species have declined by 83% since 1970.
The loss of wetlands also threatens food security and access to freshwater, problems that are exacerbated by the climate crisis. Coordinated global action is urgently needed to halt this trend and restore these vital ecosystems.
People are at the heart of wetland conservation
Protecting wetlands is not just an environmental issue, it is a shared responsibility. These ecosystems are the basis of our existence, from the water we drink to the food we eat. Their preservation is essential to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
This February 2nd, let us celebrate World Wetlands Day with concrete actions that make a difference. Because, as this year's theme says, protecting wetlands is protecting our common future.