World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on the 2 of February. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.

The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2007 is 'Wetlands and Fisheries', in recognition of the importance of fish and fisheries to all people around the world. Many people rely on fish as their main food resource, and even more are in one way or another engaged in fisheries. Currently, most fish stocks in the sea and in inland waters are being overfished. In the long run, this will pose serious problems to the people dependent on fish.

But not only humans suffer from the depletion of our fish resources. Many other species feed on fish and have no other alternative food sources. By overfishing we expose them and our fish species to the threat of extinction.

Wetlands provide important habitat for fish populations, including rare and endangered fish species, and are spawning and nursery areas for many fish and other species. Therefore, the protection of wetlands is essential for the long-term conservation of fish species and other wetland species and will add to sustainable development.

World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since this time government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups have celebrated World Wetlands Day by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands. These activities include seminars, nature walks, festivals, launches of new policies, announcement of new Ramsar sites, newspaper articles, radio interviews and wetland rehabilitation.

For more information please see: World Wetlands Day 2007 on the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands website or the Wetlands International Press Release for WWD 2007