Notification
Observing World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2023
Date: 12.01.2023
To: Heads of Administrative Authorities, National Focal Points and Permanent Missions
On 30 August 2021, the United Nations General Assembly, in Resolution 75/317, proclaimed 2nd February World Wetlands Day as a UN Day.
The Resolution, co-sponsored by 75 Member States, recognizes the essential role of wetlands to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while acknowledging they are fragile ecosystems with the highest rates of decline, loss and degradation. The Resolution, inter alia, invites member states and organizations of the United Nations system to observe World Wetlands Day and raise awareness about wetlands.
It's Time for Wetland Restoration the theme for World Wetlands Day in 2023 is in alignment with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. More than 35% of wetlands have been lost since the 1970’s, and more than 80% since the 1700s. We have reached an inflection point where we need to rethink how humans impact the environment.
This approaching World Wetlands Day, during the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, is the moment to mobilize everyone, from every corner of the planet to take action for restoration.
I would greatly appreciate your support in bringing attention to World Wetlands Day and the importance of wetland restoration. Observance of the Day is an opportunity to highlight the important work that your government is doing for wetlands conservation and restoration.
You may wish to consider the following suggested actions:
- Record a short video message; prepare a written statement or a brief quote that highlights why wetland restoration is central to sustainable development, a healthy planet and human wellbeing. These materials will be featured on the World Wetlands Day website and used for social media outreach by the Convention;
- Mention the Convention’s handles in all your social media posts and use the hashtag #GenerationRestoration #ForWetlands #WorldWetlandsDay;
- Integrate World Wetlands Day messages and visuals in your communication and outreach activities where relevant, including for example on social media, speeches, presentations and campaigns; and
- Disseminate information about World Wetlands Day among your constituencies, encouraging all stakeholders to observe World Wetlands Day.
Informational materials and outreach assets to support observance of World Wetlands Day 2023 are available to download in English, French and Spanish from www.worldwetlandsday.org.
For coordination or further information, please contact the Secretariat of the Convention at wwd@ramsar.org.
I look forward to hearing from you and together building momentum to make the most of this important day.
Sincerely,
Dr Musonda Mumba
Secretary General
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Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands |
