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World Wetlands Day 2025: February 2 marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention which was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
World Wetlands Day 2025: This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” emphasises the need for strong action to protect wetlands. (Image: Shutterstock)
World Wetlands Day 2025: Celebrated on February 2 every year, World Wetlands Day emphasises the essential role wetlands play in sustaining life and maintaining a healthy environment. These ecosystems are important for biodiversity, water purification, and climate regulation. The day is observed to raise awareness about their significance and encourage efforts to preserve these crucial ecosystems for future generations.
World Wetlands Day 2025: Theme
This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” emphasises the need for strong action to protect wetlands so that people today and in the future can continue to benefit from what these natural habitats offer.
World Wetlands Day 2025: History
World Wetlands Day, celebrated every year on February 2 marks the anniversary of the Ramsar Convention which was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. This important treaty focused on protecting wetlands and using them wisely. It also played a key role in raising global awareness about the value of wetlands. In 2021, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared February 2 as World Wetlands Day through Resolution 75/317.
World Wetlands Day 2025: Significance
Despite covering only a small portion of the Earth’s surface, wetlands support a large variety of plant and animal species. World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder of the many benefits wetlands provide, such as flood control, water purification and climate regulation. It also highlights the urgent need to protect these ecosystems, which are disappearing at an alarming rate, to ensure they continue supporting biodiversity.
World Wetlands Day 2025: Celebrations
Here’s how you can celebrate World Wetlands Day:
- Spread Awareness: Help others understand why wetlands are important and the need to safeguard them.
- Join Local Projects: Take part in or support restoration activities to improve wetland ecosystems near you.
- Adopt Sustainable Practices: Cut down on waste, recycle and avoid practices that pollute wetland areas.
World Wetlands Day 2025: Mumbai’s Wetlands You Must Visit
Mumbai and its surrounding areas rely on wetlands that serve as the city’s green lungs and offer refuge to diverse species of birds, fish and other wildlife. Here are some of the main wetlands in Mumbai that you can visit:
- Bhandup Wetland: Covering an 11-hectare area in the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, this wetland is home to many migratory birds like flamingos, herons and egrets. The wetland plays an important role in maintaining the environmental balance of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Its mangrove ecosystem is crucial for preventing floods and helping absorb carbon, making it a vital part of the city’s resilience against climate challenges.
- Panje Wetland: This wetland spans 124 hectares in Uran, Raigad, and is a vital habitat for migratory birds like waders, sandpipers and flamingos. Surrounded by fishing villages, this wetland serves as a livelihood for local communities.
- Training Ship Chanakya Wetland: Covering 13 hectares in Navi Mumbai, this wetland surrounds the campus and provides a natural haven for birds like terns, egrets and cormorants. This wetland helps in regulating the local climate and preventing flooding in the area.
- NRI Complex wetland: The NRI Complex Wetland, covering 19 hectares in Navi Mumbai, is a hidden gem right next to Palm Beach Road. This wetland draws migratory birds like flamingos, ibis and spoonbills, making it a favourite spot for birdwatchers and photographers. The wetland’s mangroves and intertidal ecosystem play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and reducing the risk of flooding.
