Previous Year Question

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. Its objective is to raise awareness about the ecological importance of Wetlands, biodiversity conservation, and their role in human life. The day commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. The official name of this convention is the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat. It entered into force on 21 December 1975.

World Wetlands Day has been observed since 1997. On 30 August 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 75/317, officially recognizing 2 February as a United Nations International Day. The principal objective of the Ramsar Convention is to ensure the conservation and Wise Use of wetlands. Under this convention, wetlands of international importance are designated as Ramsar Sites.

Wetlands are ecosystems where land remains permanently or seasonally saturated with water. Major examples include Marshes, Swamps, Lakes, Mangroves, and Estuaries. Wetlands provide habitats for numerous aquatic organisms and migratory birds. They also provide important ecosystem services, including Flood Control, Groundwater Recharge, Water Purification, and Carbon Storage.

For wetland conservation in India, sites of international importance are identified under the Ramsar Convention. Additionally, various government programmes are implemented for wetland conservation and management. A specific Annual Theme is selected for World Wetlands Day each year to promote public awareness about the conservation, Restoration, and sustainable use of wetlands.