Wetlands provide drinking
water for humans and habitats for many species, including
a large number of migratory waterbird species. Many migratory
waterbirds could not survive without wetlands, because
these ecosystems secure their possibilities to breed,
nest and rest during their long journeys.

Efforts to conserve wetland
biodiversity and processes also help maintain the very
ecosystems upon which waterbirds depend. In turn, waterbirds
are considered to be flagship indicators of the health
of wetland ecosystems, as they are amongst the most studied
and regularily monitored species in the world.

World Wetlands Day marks
the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands
on 2 February 1971 and was celebrated for the first time
in 1997. Since then, government agencies, non-governmental
organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of
the community have been encouraged to undertake actions
aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and
benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular.

For more information and
to learn how to participate in World Wetlands Day (WWD)
please visit: www.ramsar.org