Canada
World wetlands day (WWD) is celebrated on the 2nd of February each year, to mark the protection of wetlands under the Ramsar Convention. Events to celebrate WWD are hosted around the world, with the aim of gathering wetland stakeholders to discuss conservation under a global theme that is selected by Wetlands International.
The theme for the 2021 WWD is Wetlands and Water, which highlights the crucial function of wetlands as a source of fresh water and promotes actions to restore and stop the loss of this wetland function.
In 2019, The Institute for Environmental Sustainability (IES) at Mount Royal University introduced an initiative to create a hub for wetland sustainability knowledge exchange in Alberta, by gathering key stakeholders in wetland science, policy development, and practice in Alberta and across western Canada to join the global celebration of WWD. Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) and the Alberta NAWMP (North American Waterfowl Management Plan) Partnership are collaborating with MRU and IES to host the 2021 World Wetlands Day Symposium on the 2nd of February 2021 through Virtual delivery.
World Wetlands Day celebrations are an open event for wetland stakeholders and everyone interested in wetland conservation within the community. In a pandemic year, this event will be a virtual gathering of wetland scientists and stakeholders at both private and public sector organizations. Given that this year’s theme highlights the growing freshwater crisis that threatens our planet and its people, the event will feature presentations from speakers and groups who are conducting extensive research to understand and mitigate the impacts of human disturbances on freshwater resources. We look forward to having you as our guest for this event.
Check the IES World Wetland Day Page for more information!