World Wetlands Day 2005 -- United States

World Wetlands Day in Louisiana

To celebrate World Wetlands Day in coastal Louisiana, which is also known as America’s WETLAND, events and activities were held not only to show concern for the world’s wetlands but also to raise awareness about the staggering rate at which America’s WETLAND is disappearing and the impact of this loss on the state, nation and world. On average, twenty-four square miles of Louisiana's coastal wetlands disappear each year.

In what is fast becoming a tradition for the administration of Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor Blanco signed a proclamation that renamed February 2nd as “America’s WETLAND Day” in Louisiana. Governor Blanco, through the text of her edict, urged “citizens to learn more about how Louisiana’s wetland loss impacts our state, the nation and the world.” She also expressed hope that Louisianians would “support efforts to raise awareness of this urgent situation by proudly wearing their “Save America’s WETLAND” bracelets wherever they may go and by encouraging their friends and family to do the same.”

This was the second year that Gov. Blanco issued such a decree, and this year’s version was one of a series of activities that were bundled specifically to celebrate World Wetlands Day and raise awareness of the plight of Louisiana’s coastline. The proclamation followed closely on the heels of the campaign’s “Save America’s WETLAND” bracelet launch and provided a platform for the release of national poll results about America’s level of concern about Louisiana’s wetland loss and its relation to hurricane protection and potential Tsunami-like destruction. The Mardi Gras season was also gaining steam as the “Krewe of Estys” boarded their first float and began their ride into the hearts of carnival-goers.

For the press release issued by the America's WETLAND campaign on World Wetlands Day visit http://www.americaswetland.com/article.cfm?id=199&cateid=2&pageid=3&cid=16.

To view a copy of the proclamation signed by Governor Blanco click http://www.americaswetland.com/article.cfm?id=202&cateid=4&pageid=3.

For more information on America's WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana visit www.americaswetland.com

"There's wealth in wetland diversity
- don't lose it!"