2 February 2026
World Wetlands Day is observed every year on 2 February to raise global awareness of the importance of wetlands. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
Wetlands are defined as areas where water is the main factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. They include inland wetlands such as marshes, lakes, rivers, floodplains, peatlands and swamps; coastal wetlands such as saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons and coral reefs; and human-made wetlands including fish ponds, rice paddies and salt pans.
World Wetlands Day highlights the vital role wetlands play for nature and people and encourages action to conserve and restore wetlands worldwide.
For 2026, the focus is on the link between wetlands and traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
World Wetlands Day events and campaign materials are organised by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and are open to everyone from communities and NGOs to governments and schools.
