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World Wetlands Day 2021 - Wetlands and Water

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World Wetlands Day, 2 February, aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet.

This year’s theme 'Wetlands and Water' shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss. The campaign highlights the contribution of wetlands to the quantity and quality of freshwater on our planet. Water and wetlands are connected in an inseparable co-existence that is vital to life, our wellbeing and the health of our planet.

Wetlands: securing freshwater for all

An online panel discussion will be hosted on Monday, 1 February, at 15.00 – 16.30 CET and broadcasted live on YouTube. The panellists will provide insights on why we need to upscale and accelerate initiatives that conserve wetlands and all freshwater ecosystems to ensure freshwater for all. The panelists will discuss:

  • The status and trends of the world’s freshwater ecosystems
  • The enabling environment and fundamental drivers key to transitioning towards conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems
  • Examples of emerging initiatives and actions leading the way to more sustainable freshwater ecosystems management

 

Wetlands are land areas that are saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. Inland wetlands include marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains, and swamps. Coastal wetlands include saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons and even coral reefs. Fishponds, rice paddies, and saltpans are human-made wetlands.

  • Learn more about the World Wetlands Day and how to get involved here.
  • Download the event flyer here.

Contact Us

For media and interview requests, contact us on: unwater@un.org mentioning [Media request] in the subject heading.

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