Important DaysMonday, 2 February 2026·The Hindu
World Wetlands Day Observed (2 February)
World Wetlands Day was observed on 2 February, marking the adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
Key highlights
Direct fact
World Wetlands Day is observed on 2 February each year, marking the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
Key specifics
- The Ramsar Convention is the only global treaty dedicated to a single ecosystem — wetlands.
- India has 80+ Ramsar sites, the highest in Asia; Tamil Nadu has the most among Indian states.
- Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo (Rajasthan) were India's first Ramsar sites (1981).
- Wetlands act as carbon sinks, flood buffers and biodiversity habitats.
Exam lens
Important Days / Environment: Ramsar Convention signed 2 Feb 1971 at Ramsar, Iran; India has the most Ramsar sites in Asia.