By Leslie Lee
World Wetlands Day, observed annually on February 2, celebrates the significance of wetlands for humanity and the planet. The 2026 theme, “Wetlands & Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” emphasizes preserving cultural heritage within wetland ecosystems.
Wetlands are among the world’s most diverse productive environments, providing water and productivity for countless species. They offer numerous benefits, including freshwater supply, food and building materials, biodiversity, flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation.
Despite covering only 6% of the Earth’s land surface, wetlands support 40% of all plant and animal species.
However, wetlands face a dire situation. According to the World Heritage and Ramsar Conventions, 64% of the world’s wetlands have vanished since the dawn of the last century. Wetlands continue to decline globally, jeopardizing their invaluable benefits. The Global Wetland Outlook reveals a concerning trend: wetlands are disappearing three times faster than natural forests. Therefore, the conservation of wetlands is urgent (www.genevaenvironmentalnetwork.org).
The Douglas Land Conservancy (DLC) region is home to wetlands that are permanently or seasonally saturated or flooded with water, including marshes, lakes, rivers, floodplains, fish ponds, and swamps. DLC actively supports local and regional efforts to protect wetlands by safeguarding open spaces, wildlife habitats, and agricultural lands, ensuring the continued vitality of local ecosystems.
On World Wetlands Day, join us in activities that conserve wetlands. Volunteer for local open space clean-up efforts, support land conservation, or donate to protect these vital ecosystems. Your participation can make a significant difference.
By protecting our lands and minimizing our environmental impact, we ensure a resilient and sustainable world for future generations.