The signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance half a century ago is being celebrated on World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
On that date in 1971, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands was signed into being in Ramsar, an Iranian city on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Today, there are over 2300 wetlands of international importance listed as Ramsar sites, including 66 in Australia.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2021 is “wetlands and water”, with activities intended to recognise their importance in sustaining human populations and enabling ecological diversity.
Given their important role in conserving and managing wetlands, councils are being encouraged to join in the annual celebration of Australia’s wetlands.
Local government officials looking to promote their local wetland reserves and stage events with their local communities can find out more about World Wetlands Day here.