Every year on February 2, the world unites to celebrate World Wetlands Day, highlighting the importance of wetlands. These ecosystems are vital for water, food, livelihoods, and climate resilience.
The 2025 theme, “Protecting wetlands for our common future,” stresses the need for global efforts to conserve wetlands. These critical ecosystems sustain biodiversity and support life on Earth.
ZIMBABWE AT THE FOREFRONT OF WETLAND CONSERVATION
In 2025, Zimbabwe will host Secretary General Dr. Musonda Mumba of the Convention on Wetlands during World Wetlands Day celebrations. This highlights Zimbabwe’s commitment to wetland preservation since becoming a Contracting Party to the Convention in 2013.
Zimbabwe’s wetlands are essential for biodiversity and local livelihoods. Mumba also emphasizes the nation’s leadership ahead of COP15 of the Convention on Wetlands in Victoria Falls, scheduled for July 2025.
COP15 aims to accelerate global conservation and restoration efforts, placing Zimbabwe in a central role in wet land advocacy.
A LEGACY OF GLOBAL COLLABORATION
World Wetlands Day commemorates the 1971 signing of the Convention on Wet lands in Ramsar, Iran. The day was officially recognized in 1997. Later, in 2021, the United Nations recognized it. It has since evolved into a global movement.
Despite their significance, wet lands face alarming challenges. Over 35% of wet lands have been lost since 1970, disappearing at three times the rate of forests.
World Wetlands Day serves as a call to action to reverse these trends and protect these ecosystems for future generations.
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE GLOBE
World Wetlands Day 2025 will feature diverse events designed to engage and inspire action:
- Restoration projects: Efforts to revive degraded wet lands.
- Educational workshops: Sessions to spread awareness about wet land importance.
- Art exhibitions: Creative expressions showcasing we tland beauty and significance.
- Community clean-ups: Hands-on initiatives to protect local ecosystems.
These activities aim to involve policymakers, educators, children, and communities, reinforcing the universal need to safeguard wet lands.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The 2025 campaign provides resources to encourage participation:
- Toolkits and posters: Available at www.worldwetlandsday.org.
- Social media graphics: To spread awareness online.
By participating, individuals and organizations can make a real difference in protecting wet lands.
KEY MESSAGES FOR 2025
The World Wetlands Day 2025 campaign emphasizes three critical messages:
- Value wet lands: Recognize their role in water security, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
- Protect wet lands: Safeguard these ecosystems to ensure their continued ecological and societal benefits.
- Inspire action: Work together to restore and conserve wet lands for a sustainable future.
A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
World Wetlands Day 2025 underscores the crucial role of wet lands in sustaining life. Zimbabwe’s leadership demonstrates how nations can inspire global action for conservation.
By supporting this movement, we contribute to a future where wet lands thrive and continue to benefit generations to come. Together, we can ensure these ecosystems remain a cornerstone of a sustainable planet.
