World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 and dates back to 1971 when several environmentalists reaffirmed the protection and love for wetlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wetlands are distinct ecosystems flooded by water (seasonally or permanently) such as lagoons, ponds, rivers and swamps. They are distinguished from other water bodies by their characteristic vegetation of aquatic plants adapted to living in the unique hydric soil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Wetlands Day serves to raise global awareness because of the vital role that wetlands play for both people and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Awareness is raised through events such as the World Wetlands Day Youth Photo Contest. The contest begins on the 2nd<\/sup> of February and runs for one month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People aged 15-24 can enter their photos of wetlands and upload it to the World Wetlands Day website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Star Alliance Biosphere Connections sponsor the contest, and the winner\u2019s prize is a visit to any wetland of their choice from the 2200 Ramsar sites around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the contest, awareness is raised through lectures, nature walks, art competitions, races, interviews and community clean up days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A theme for World Wetlands Day is chosen each year, and the theme for 2021 is \u201cWetlands and Water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This theme emphasises the influence that wetlands make to the quantity and quality of fresh water on Earth, and that water and wetlands are in an inseparable co-existence that is crucial for life and the health of the planet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n