World Wetlands Day is a global awareness campaign that spotlights the critical importance of these richly biodiverse and productive ecosystems. Every 2 February, the campaign calls on nations – and everyone everywhere – to protect our planet’s wetlands. It reminds us that healthy wetlands are essential for our universal wellbeing and long-term survival. This year’s campaign centers on the theme “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.”
Information materials to support outreach activities for World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2025 are available to download online at www.worldwetlandsday.org.
Key campaign messages: World Wetlands Day 2025 underscores the need for collaboration and foresight as we build a future wherein all people, everywhere, can continue to benefit from the life-sustaining services that wetlands provide. By valuing and protecting wetlands today – and by inspiring one another in this united effort – we better ensure our common future and wellbeing. Three key messages inform this year’s campaign. We encourage you to reflect on how they apply to wetlands in your area and to tailor them as you drive participation in World Wetlands Day 2025.
- Protecting the world’s wetlands is in our common interest – it safeguards us all.
- The future of humanity depends on bold action today to protect and restore these indispensable ecosystems.
- COP15 unites us in the global effort to promote wetland conservation and ensure the continuity of their benefits.
Healthy wetlands are critical for climate mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and human health. Yet, unsustainable development, pollution and climate change continue to threaten these essential ecosystems. Protecting wetlands for our common future requires collabora – tion on policies, regulations and community initiatives that spur effective conservation and sustainable wise use. Ensuring the health of the world’s wetlands will allow future genera – tions to enjoy their ecological, economic and cultural benefits – and foster a sustainable, prosperous future for all.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems around the world. It runs from 2021 to 2030.
World Wetlands Day 2025 is of particular significance, as it coincides with the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15). Every three years, representatives of the governments of each of the Contracting Parties meet to facilitate crucial discussions on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and to agree on a work program for the next three years. Zimbabwe is the global conservation arena for COP15 – scheduled for 23-31 July 2025 in Victoria Falls under the same theme as World Wetlands Day 2025: “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” The Republic of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry is the key partner for both COP15 and World Wetlands Day 2025.
“Wherever land meets water, life abounds. Wetlands exist in every corner of this beautiful planet and have often been referred to as the arteries and veins of the Earth. Majestic and mighty, wetlands are a sight to behold. They support critical ecosystems and biodiversity; in fact, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. They are crucial to agriculture and fisheries andact as water sources and purifiers, and they protect our shores. Peatland wetlands are the planet’s greatest natural carbon stores.”
— Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands
Be a part of the solution by making a proactive effort and sharing your stories of wetland conservation with the Secretariat and others. Visit the website to explore the resources in support of World Wetlands Day and its mission. Follow the celebrations across our social media platforms. Please join the WWD 2025 with activities connected with the Carpathian Wetland Initiative and let us know!
