World Wetlands Day activities

It is said: “Forests are called the lungs of the earth and wetlands are the kidneys that regulate water and filter wastes from the landscapes.”

Every year February 2nd is observed as World Wetlands Day to spread awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The theme for this year is 'Wetlands' Restoration'.

This day commemorates the adoption of the convention on wetlands on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The first wetlands day was celebrated in 1997. Any wetland site which has been listed under the Ramsar Convention that aims to conserve it and promote sustainable use of its natural resources is called a Ramsar Site. The Ramsar convention is known as the convention of the wetlands. It was established in 1971 by UNESCO and came into force in 1975. India is a party to the Ramsar Convention, signed on 1st February 1982.

The environment helps in protecting the ecosystem, changes affecting the ecosystem place multiple species in the danger of extinction necessitating the need of protecting the environment. Ecosystems are deeply connected to one another. It is crucial to protect the environment to reduce the destruction of eco-systems caused by a myriad of anthropogenic activities. It is more of a moral obligation for humans to protect the environment from destruction and other activities that lead to environmental degradation.

Importantly, environmental degradation is detrimental since it threatens the long-term health of animals, humans and plants. One does not need to put a lot of money to go green but simple changes in daily lifestyle is all what is required to reduce the carbon footprint on the environment.

As India celebrates the Amrit Mahotsav Year, i.e. the 75th year of independence, it has successfully achieved a network of 75 Ramsar sites this year itself (as on August 2022).

The students of The Indian School- Second Shift observed the occasion by educating themselves about the mission and the strides made in this field. They were shown informative videos and a special programme “Mann ki Baat”, where the prime minister also addressed the same cause. Students discussed the wetlands near NCR and their international recognition based on the Ramsar Convention.

Our school theme of the year is 'Reclaiming our Planet', which resonates with the idea underlying Wetlands Day as the convention recognises India’s rich flora and fauna and her bird and bio-diversity. The session was followed by a powerpoint presentation by the teachers and an interactive discussion with the students.

Concluding the programme, the students of The Indian School-Second Shift pledged to be a part of this mission as it is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment to make this planet a happy and clean place to live.