Media Release: World Wetlands Day 2026

2 February 2026

Today, we collectively join the global community in celebrating World Wetlands Day, a day that is dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of wetlands and the need to conserve and protect these vital ecosystems. World Wetlands Day is held annually on the 2^nd of February, and is an opportunity to highlight the crucial role wetlands play in supporting diversity, regulating the climate, and providing essential ecosystems. Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally. They can be found in a variety of forms, including marshes, swamps, bogs and mangroves. Wetlands are some of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, providing vast array of services.

The purpose of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and the need to preserve and protect these ecosystems. The day is also an opportunity to promote action and advocacy for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, and to highlight the importance of wetlands in achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interesting facts about wetlands:

• Wetlands cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface but are home to a disproportionate amount of biodiversity.
• Wetlands play a pivotal role in regulating the climate, storing carbon dioxide (CO₂), and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
• Wetlands help to filter water, reducing the number of contaminants and sediments that enter rivers and oceans.

The Garden Route District Municipality is committed to protecting the valuable wetland systems within the district, and is currently in the process of reviewing its Garden Route District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan (previously titled the Eden District Wetland Strategy and Action Plan), which will guide the local Municipalities in the district with the implementation of the most essential wetland projects and initiatives that can improve the functioning and ecosystem services of some of the district’s key wetland systems.

As we celebrate World Wetlands Day, we urge all residents to take action to protect these vital ecosystems. By reducing pollution and waste, supporting conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about the importance of wetlands, we can work towards a future where wetlands continue to thrive and support the health and well-being of our communities. Let us work together to protect our wetlands and many benefits they provide.

Image Source: Available at: Online: https://www.freepik.com/photos/world-wetlands-day-theme

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