About World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day on 2 February marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. It raises awareness of lakes, marshes, mangroves and other wetlands, and the UN General Assembly recognised it as an international day in 2021.
Wetlands are places where land is covered by water for all or part of the year, such as lakes, marshes, floodplains, mangroves and peatlands. They filter water, soak up floodwater, protect coasts from storms, store carbon and give shelter to birds, fish and many other species. Many wetlands have been drained or polluted, which is why they need attention.
The day marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, an international treaty signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar on 2 February 1971. It is often called the Ramsar Convention. Countries that join it name important wetlands as Ramsar Sites and commit to using them wisely.
How it is marked
Environment groups, forest departments and nature clubs organise birdwatching walks, lake clean-ups and talks on local wetlands. Schools take students to nearby ponds or lakes to observe birds and plants. India has many wetlands of international importance, including Chilika Lake in Odisha, Loktak Lake in Manipur and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, and the day is a good time to learn about the ones closest to home.
What to write
Keep the message light and nature-loving, perhaps inviting someone to visit a local lake or bird sanctuary with you.
- Happy World Wetlands Day. Birdwatching by the lake next Sunday? I'll bring the binoculars.
- Thank you for cleaning up our lake every weekend. The ducks have noticed, and so have we.
- Still can't believe we saw flamingos at the marsh. Best morning of the whole winter.
How to wish someone on World Wetlands Day
appreciation for lakes, marshes and mangroves, and the birds, fish and people they support
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Wetlands Day on 2 February?
It marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971. The treaty is the main international agreement for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
What counts as a wetland?
Wetlands include lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, floodplains, mangroves, peatlands and coastal areas, as well as human-made ones such as rice fields and reservoirs. What they share is land that is wet for all or part of the year.
What is a Ramsar Site?
A Ramsar Site is a wetland that a country has designated as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention. Chilika Lake in Odisha and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan are well-known examples in India.
When is World Wetlands Day in 2026?
World Wetlands Day 2026 falls on Monday, 2 February 2026.
What is World Wetlands Day?
World Wetlands Day on 2 February marks the signing of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. It raises awareness of lakes, marshes, mangroves and other wetlands, and the UN General Assembly recognised it as an international day in 2021.
Is World Wetlands Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Wetlands Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Wetlands Day?
Focus on appreciation for lakes, marshes and mangroves, and the birds, fish and people they support. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Wetlands Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .