Feb. 2, World Wetlands Day, is an apt time to highlight the Bradford Bypass’ impacts on the Lake Simcoe watershed’s wetlands, and why that matters.
World Wetland Day is celebrated annually on February 2 with the aim to create awareness of the vital role wetlands play for people and the planet. The proposal for the convention on wetlands was first made on February 2, 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
Wetlands are the parts of the earth where the soil is covered with water. They support both terrestrial and aquatic species. There are five major types of wetlands. They are marine, estuarine, lacustrine, riverine, and palustrine. It is essential to conserve wetlands as they are among the most productive environments.
WORLD WETLAND DAY 2023: HISTORY
The awareness of World Wetland Day started off in 1997. However, it was on August 30, 2021, that the United Nations General Assembly approved resolution 75/317 for World Wetlands Day to be celebrated on February 2.
The secretariat of the convention on wetlands tried to share materials like factsheets, documents, posters, and logos to educate individuals on the importance of wetlands on our planet.
WORLD WETLAND DAY 2023: SIGNIFICANCE
A significant part of our ecosystem comprises wetlands. They are considered biodiversity hotspots that are the habitat for a large variety of aquatic flora and fauna.
They are also home to numerous migratory birds and species. Destruction of wetlands would have a massive impact on the ecosystem directly or indirectly.
WORLD WETLAND DAY 2023: THEME
The theme for this year’s World Wetlands Day is ‘It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration,’ which focuses on the urgent need to prioritize wetland restoration.
We make a point of celebrating wetlands because they clean our air and water, support flood management, and host huge numbers of wildlife, insects and fish. On World Wetlands Day, please stop to consider how leaving wetlands behind makes our world a happier place for fish and fishermen, and a healthier place for everyone.
