World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February
On February 2, 1971, countries from around the world met and signed the Convention on Wetlands (an intergovernmental treaty) – the first ecological convention centered – in Ramsar, Iran. Since then, 160 countries have signed the Treaty, including the U.S., and 1,911 wetland sites have been designated as Wetlands of International Importance.
Why are wetlands important?
There is a connection between a healthy wetland ecosystem and human health.
In the developing world, 1 in 5 people do not have access to safe drinking water. Mismanaging strategies that support the health of wetland ecosystems can affect people's health, wetland-related diseases claim the lives of 3 million people each year and bring suffering to many more. An estimated 1.4 million people live in river basins where water uses exceed sustainable levels.
Environment Calendar
Authors: Val
