Why in News ? 

It is observed annually on February 2 to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands in supporting biodiversity, human well-being, and cultural heritage. 

Theme: "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future." 

Wetlands: Ecosystems saturated with water, either seasonally or permanently, including mangroves, rivers, lakes, floodplains, and coral reefs. 

Importance of Wetlands 

• Mitigate floods, protect coastlines, and filter pollutants. 
• Support over 1 billion people and 40% of the world’s species. 
• Provide food, raw materials, medicines, and hydropower. 
• Critical for transport, tourism, and cultural well-being. 
• Essential for commercial and recreational fishing industries. 

Threats to Wetlands: 

• Agriculture and Development: Drained for farming and settlements, reducing their ecological benefits. 
• Pollution: Wetlands clean pollutants but struggle with industrial pollution like mercury. 
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels, droughts, and habitat loss accelerate wetland degradation. 
• Wetland Loss: 35% of global wetlands were lost between 1970-2015.

Role of UNESCO and Ramsar Convention

• UNESCO supports the Ramsar Convention, promoting wetland conservation and sustainable use. 
• Wetlands can be designated as Ramsar Sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or Biosphere Reserves, enhancing protection and resource access.

World Wetlands Day and COP15

• The 2025 World Wetlands Day theme aligns with the 15th Ramsar COP in July 2025 at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). 
• COP15 will focus on wetland conservation and set future global goals.