Center For Arid Zone and Wetland Ecology (CAZE) Celebrates World Wetlands Day, 2026
As we mark World Wetlands Day 2026, the global community comes together to recognize the invaluable role wetlands play in sustaining life on Earth, while also acknowledging the profound connections between these ecosystems and the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems of indigenous communities. The theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” shines a spotlight on the long-standing relationships between wetlands and the communities that have safeguarded them for generations. From the peatlands of Ireland to the mangroves of Senegal, and from the floodplains of Zambia to the rivers of Brazil, wetlands have provided food, shelter, and spiritual nourishment for countless communities. The Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971, has been a beacon of hope for wetland conservation, with 172 countries now dedicated to protecting these vital ecosystems.
The Center for Arid Zone and Wetland Ecology celebrated World Wetlands Day with a presentation and Discussion, highlighting the importance of wetland ecosystems. Associate Prof. Sulaiman Inuha Muhamad, Director of the center, explained the meaning, importance, and threats to wetland ecosystems. Professor of Hydrology, M. M. Abubakar from Federal University Dutse emphasized the significance of Wetlands. Dr. Paul Tesso, an ornithologist, stressed the need for recommended net sizes for harvesting to conserve wetland resources. The event was attended by students of Biological Sciences and Industrial Attachment students from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State.
As we reflect on the importance of wetlands, we are reminded that these ecosystems are not just natural wonders, but also repositories of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Indigenous communities have developed unique practices and traditions that have allowed them to live in harmony with wetlands for centuries. From the use of medicinal plants to the celebration of spiritual festivals, wetlands are woven into the fabric of community life. However, despite their importance, wetlands continue to face unprecedented threats, including land-use change, pollution, and climate change. It’s estimated that wetlands are disappearing up to three times faster than forests, with devastating consequences for biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being.
The stakes are high, but there is hope. The Convention on Wetlands and its partners are working tirelessly to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, while also recognizing the critical role of traditional knowledge in achieving these goals. Governments, conservation organizations, businesses, and communities are joining forces to raise awareness, mobilize action, and support wetland restoration efforts. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development, the importance of wetlands has never been more pressing. On this World Wetlands Day, let us celebrate the cultural heritage of wetlands and the communities that have protected them. Let us acknowledge the vital services wetlands provide, from carbon sequestration to flood control, and from food security to spiritual nourishment. And let us commit to urgent action to preserve these ecosystems for future generations. As the Ramsar Convention Secretary-General, Martha Rojas-Urrego, notes, “Wetlands are not just ecosystems; they are the foundation of our cultures, our traditions, and our very existence.”
Key Facts:
i. Wetlands store vast amounts of carbon, with peatlands alone storing about one-third of land-based carbon.
ii. About 1 in 8 people make their livelihoods from wetlands.\
iii. Wetlands safeguard 60% of humanity along coastlines from floods, droughts, and storms.
iv. Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing up to three times faster than forests.
Call to Action:
i. Learn about wetlands and their importance.
ii. Support wetland conservation efforts.
iii. Raise awareness about the importance of traditional knowledge in wetland conservation.
iv. Take action to reduce your impact on wetlands.
The implications of World Wetlands Day 2026 highlight the urgent need to protect wetlands, which are disappearing at an alarming rate of three times faster than forests. This loss has severe consequences, including decreased biodiversity, reduced water quality, and increased vulnerability to climate change. The theme “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage” emphasizes the importance of indigenous communities’ traditional practices in sustaining wetland ecosystems. The conclusion is clear: we must work together to conserve and restore wetlands, recognizing the vital role they play in supporting human well-being and the planet. This can be achieved by integrating traditional knowledge into scientific approaches, promoting community-led conservation efforts, and raising awareness about the importance of wetlands.
