World Wetlands Day is a global event celebrated annually on February 2nd to raise awareness about the vital role wetlands play in sustaining our environment and the people who depend on them. This year, World Wetlands Day marks a significant milestone, as it will be observed as a United Nations international day for the first time. The General Assembly adopted this decision on 30th August 2021, recognizing the importance of wetlands in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and urging countries to take action to protect them.

The theme for World Wetlands Day 2022 is "Wetlands Action for People and Nature." The theme emphasizes the importance of taking action to ensure that wetlands are conserved and sustainably used. It's an urgent appeal to invest financial, human and political capital to save the world's wetlands from disappearing and to restore those we have degraded.

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, providing a wide range of services that support human well-being and the environment. They are home to a vast array of plants and animals, many of which are unique and endangered. Wetlands also play a critical role in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

Despite their importance, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems in the world, with over 64% of global wetlands having disappeared since 1900. The main drivers of wetland loss include habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and unsustainable use practices.

The 2022 World Wetlands Day theme calls for urgent action to reverse this trend and promote the sustainable use and conservation of wetlands. It highlights the need for collaboration and the involvement of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, private sector actors, and communities.

The event website provides a range of materials and resources to help individuals and organizations take action to protect wetlands. The suggested actions include promoting wetland conservation, restoring degraded wetlands, supporting sustainable use practices, and advocating for policy and regulatory frameworks that protect wetlands.

In conclusion, World Wetlands Day 2022 is an opportunity to raise awareness about the critical importance of wetlands and to mobilize action to protect them. The theme "Wetlands Action for People and Nature" calls for urgent action to conserve and sustainably use wetlands for the benefit of all. We all have a role to play in protecting these valuable ecosystems, and it is essential that we act now before it's too late.