World Wetlands Day celebrates internationally each year on Feb 2

Kolkata, Feb 2: World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 

February 2 . 
It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International 
Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
To mark this day West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted, “Today is 
World Wetlands Day. We are committed towards conserving the East Kolkata Wetlands, 
which is crucial for a sustainable future of Kolkata.”
The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2018 is 'Wetlands for a sustainable 
urban future'. This theme will be reflected in the February 2018 edition of Wetlands 
Australia.
Urban wetlands make cities liveable in many important ways. They reduce flooding, 
replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and are a source of 
livelihoods. Urban wetlands should be integrated into a city’s sustainable future planning and development.
The Ramsar Convention Secretariat has developed a number of downloadable World 
Wetlands Day materials for 2018, including a poster, an infographic, a Power Point 
presentation, fact sheets and a t-shirt logo. Groups and individuals are encouraged to 
adapt these materials for their own World Wetlands Day events and activities.
World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. 
These activities include seminars, nature walks, festivals, announcement of new 
Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation. UNI