World Wetlands Day – a reminder of the foundation of biodiversity and human well-being

Every year on 2 February, World Wetlands Day is celebrated around the world to draw attention to the importance of wetlands for biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and human well-being. The date was chosen to mark the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

Wetlands – bogs, floodplains, lakes, river estuaries, coastal lagoons and other water-related habitats – are among the most valuable and at the same time most threatened ecosystems in the world. They provide habitats for thousands of plant and animal species, including many rare and endangered ones, as well as essential ecosystem services for society.

Wetlands act as natural water filters, improving water quality and reducing pollution. They can store and regulate water volumes, reducing flood risks and the effects of drought. Their role in mitigating climate change is particularly important, as they store large amounts of carbon and help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Despite their importance, wetlands have declined rapidly around the world in recent decades. Drainage, intensive agriculture, urbanisation and pollution have had a significant impact on the state of these ecosystems. In Latvia, too, the conservation and restoration of wetlands is a pressing issue that requires targeted action and public understanding.

World Wetlands Day calls on state institutions, municipalities, businesses and society as a whole to recognise the value of wetlands and get involved in their protection. Sustainable use of natural resources, wetland restoration projects and public education are essential preconditions for preserving these ecosystems for future generations.

Protecting wetlands is an investment not only in nature but also in people’s safety, health and quality of life. World Wetlands Day reminds us that healthy wetlands mean a healthy environment and a sustainable future.

Photo: Andris Soms and Agnese Priede