World Wetlands Day 2023: Celebrating Wetlands Restoration!
February 2nd marks World Wetlands Day, a day to raise awareness of the urgent need to prioritize the restoration of these important ecosystems. 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the last 50 years. To celebrate, conservationists in Socotra are rolling out activities related to World Wetlands Day, focusing their celebrations of Socotra’s unique wetlands not just on Detwah Lagoon, but on wetlands in the eastern part of the island as well. This important event is one of over 420 events listed for World Wetlands Day 2023.
Local Events in Detwah Lagoon
Local events in Detwah, including the wetland clean-ups, were a great success. These meetings have been attended primarily by representatives of local communities, including local women and youth who shared their ideas on the challenges as well as solutions in protecting a highly vulnerable wetland. Notably, local decision-makers were also present in these multi-stakeholder meetings.
Save the Wetlands of Socotra
The indigenous Socotri specialists organizing the event are Mr. Ahmed Saeed Suleiman and Mr. Salem Hamdiah. The event (2-3 Feb 2023) will take place in Hadiboh, the capital of Socotra, and nearby Sirihin Lagoon. World Wetlands Day events on Socotra include a series of presentations, a discussion round, a field visit to and clean-up of Sirihin Lagoon, and inauguration of a sign at the lagoon to increase awareness. These activities will include local community representatives, local NGOs, decision makers, ecotourism guides, students and teachers.
Continued Work on Socotra
After the flurry of celebrations, the local team will continue their important work to survey the distribution and threats of several Socotran aquatic endemics. And if you find yourself looking out over a wetland this World Wetlands Day, spare a thought for the important, inspirational and hopeful work carried out on Socotra to protect, improve and restore local wetlands!
World Wetlands Day 2023 at the Indianapolis Zoo
World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on February 2nd to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971. This year, the Indianapolis Zoo is proud to host an event to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2023. The event will feature activities and educational opportunities for guests of all ages.
About World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is an international celebration of the importance of wetlands for the environment, economy, and society. Wetlands are areas of land that are saturated with water and provide a variety of benefits to people and wildlife. These areas are important for providing clean drinking water, protecting against floods and storms, and providing habitat for fish and other wildlife.
Activities at Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo will be hosting a variety of activities to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2023. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of wetlands and how to protect them. There will be interactive activities such as bird watching, a scavenger hunt, and a wetland-themed coloring station.
In addition, there will be educational presentations and discussions about wetland conservation. Guests can learn about the different types of wetlands and the animals that inhabit them. They will also have the chance to learn about the threats facing wetlands and how they can help protect them.
Partnerships with Local Organizations
The Indianapolis Zoo is partnering with local organizations to provide additional educational opportunities for guests. The zoo is partnering with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Wildlife Federation to provide additional information about wetlands and how to protect them.
The zoo is also collaborating with the Indiana Chapter of the Nature Conservancy to provide hands-on activities and demonstrations about wetland conservation. Guests can learn about the different types of wetlands, the importance of protecting them, and how to get involved in wetland conservation efforts.
Conclusion
The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to host World Wetlands Day 2023. Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of wetlands and how to protect them. Through interactive activities, educational presentations, and partnerships with local organizations, guests will gain a greater understanding of wetland conservation and how they can help protect these important ecosystems.
