The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

World Wetlands Day 2004 - activities planned and reported for 2004

W

From the Mountains to the Sea
Wetlands at Work for Us

Activities reported for World Wetlands Day 2004

Please inform the Ramsar Bureau, ramsar@ramsar.org, of WWD activities you are planning for 2 February 2004 or thereabouts, and report on them afterwards, including any helpful materials you might like to give us the opportunity of posting here. Your reports, press releases, photographs, etc., in electronic format will be welcome and, while we cannot promise to include everything, we will do our best.

Note on grammar: don't worry about it. These entries have been compiled from pre-WWD plans and post-WWD reports, and so the verb tenses are all scrambled together.

International: Mediterranean. Sylvie Goyet (sgoyet@medwetcoast.com), Regional Coordinator, MedWetCoast Project, writes in the February edition of the MedWetCoast @-News newsletter: "At the same time, we celebrated World Wetlands Day, marking the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. . . . Just to underscore a few of these actions around the Mediterranean this year: on 1st February, Tour du Valat opened its doors (once a year only!) to eager visitors, all fully equipped with binoculars and gum boots; the Moroccan SPANA NGO scheduled a series of events (bird watching trips, exhibits, conferences, etc) next to wetland sites and produced an Arabic version of the Ramsar poster. Nice! - I also hear that a Turkish version has been prepared (?); the MedWet office held a successful information / celebration event at Villa Kazouli in Athens; and in Greece, a community clean up and an educational visit to the major lagoons of the Kotychi and Prokopos site were organized. Hopefully more bird and nature lovers were gained on that day … who may become decision makers one day! Happy reading, Sylvie."

International: Mekong River Basin. Alvin Lopez (AL.mekongwetland@online.com.kh), Wetland Ecologist with IUCN's Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use Programme based in Phnom Penh, writes that WWD2004 activities are being prepared for the four countries covered by the programme, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Later, he adds that: "The mighty Mekong flows from the mountains to the sea through 6 Countries - China, Myanmar, Lao, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. For WWD 2004, IUCN - The World Conservation Union in cooperation with the governments of the 4 nations in the Lower Mekong Basin will be organising various educational and awareness activities at the national and at wetland sites within the Mekong Basin. These activities also mark the inception of the 5 year GEF-UNDP Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Conservation Programme." More detail here.

International: Prespa Transboundary Park. Aferdita Ponari (prespa@icc-al.org), Communication Officers for the Prespa Park, writes: "We are going to organize some activities regarding the WWD in the three countries of the Transboundary Prespa Park (in Albania, Greece and the FYR of Macedonia). I will send the report after we will perform the planned activities, e.g. schoolchildren coloring competitions in the three countries around the Prespa Lakes, seminars, excursions, bird watching, etc. Having in mind the very special contribution that the Ramsar Bureau has to the establishment of the first transboundary protected area in Balkan, we would like this 4th Anniversary of the Prespa Park to be very special." Here is a report.

International: Northeast Asia. Zhang Xiaohong (wetgef@public.bta.net.cn) of Wetlands International - China in Beijing writes that South Korea, Japan, and China will be co-organizing an event to celebrate World Wetlands Week in Busan City. "Following the successful Asian Wetlands Week 2003 hosted by Ramsar Centre Japan in Norishino City, based on the agreement among Ramsar Centre Japan, Busan National University and Wetlands International-China, Asian Wetlands Week for 2004 will be organized by Busan University on 16-18 January 2004 in Busan, South Korea, with the mayor of Busan City officiating. The event aims to increase childrens' awareness of wetlands biodiversity conservation, and the topic focuses on Wetlands and Children. Students, teachers from Hunan, Jiangsu and Beijing and the nature reserve managers from Dafeng and Dongting Lake--two Ramsar Sites of China--will attend the event, and a group of people including students, volunteers and researchers from Japan will come and join in. The main activities include the presentations by students and teachers from Japan, South Korea and China and each country’s organizers. A site visit to Woopo Wetlands- Ramsar Site and birdwatching will be made during the event."

International: IUCN - The World Conservation Union. "This year, IUCN demonstrates its commitment to the Convention and the sustainable use and management of wetlands by participating in WWD activities worldwide." IUCN press release here.

International: Wetlands International. "2 February: World Wetlands Day! This day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Click here for activities organised by Wetlands International offices worldwide to celebrate this event."

International: Convention on Migratory Species. The CMS has posted a news story on WWD which emphasizes the importance of wetlands for the signatories to the CMS and outlines CMS and AEWA cooperation with the Ramsar Convention, including the tripartite Joint Work Plan that is scheduled for signing in April 2004. The story can be seen here or on the CMS Web site.

Albania I. The MedWetCoast project Albania celebrates the 2nd of February! "In the frame of the wetland day the MWC project organized some public awareness activities in Vlora and in Tirana. . . . In cooperation with CSDC (Civil Society Development Center) in Vlora, from 31 January - 1 February 2004, MWC organized some meetings with community groups, fisherman, in Narta and Zverrneci areas, which focused their discussion in the theme of 2nd February 2004: "From mountains to the sea: wetlands work for us". . . . In Orikumi, in cooperation with the NGO "Laguna e Kalter", were organized meetings with pupils and teachers of the Orikumi high school. . . . These activities were followed with a local workshop in Vlora." The report, reprinted from the MedWetCoast Web site, is reprinted here.

Albania II. See International: Prespa Transboundary Park.

Algeria I. Mounir BENCHARIF, Coordinateur AREA-ED (area@wissal.dz), El Mouradia, Alger, writes: "Comme l'année passée l'AREA-ED va organiser en 2004 un programme d'éducation relative à l'environnement et au développement durable. Le thème de cette année sera la désertification. Ce programme est mis en oeuvre par notre réseau associatif qui compte 25 associations réparties sur toute l'Algérie. Bien evidemment comme pour le programme précedent consacré à l'eau, les Zones humides figureront en bonne place cette année également. Une séance sera consacrée aux zones humides des régions arides, semi arides et sahariennes, à leur rôle dans les équilibes écologiques de ces régions et à la synergie entre les conventions de Ramsar et de la CCD. Des activités spéciales seront faites par les enfants à l'occasion du 2 février."

Algeria II. A l'occasion de la Journée mondiale des zones humides célébrée le 2 février de chaque année, la direction des forêts de la wilaya de Tizi Ouzou organise cette semaine des portes ouvertes sur la préservation de l'écosystème. El Watan, le 25 février 2004.

Algeria III. Mlle Narimane Derghal (nany-k@caramail.com) écrit: "Dans le cadre de la célébration de la journée mondiale des zones humides qui coïncide avec le 2 février de chaque année le centre cynégétique de Réghaïa (structure chargée de la gestion de la zone humide du lac de Réghaïa classée site Ramsar d'importance internationale en juin 2003) en collaboration avec la direction générale des forêts organise une manifestation autour du thème : fonctions et valeurs des zones humides." Rapport ici.

Anguilla. Mr. Karim V.D. Hodge (karim.hodge@gov.ai), Environmental Officer in the Chief Minister's Office, writes that the Convention's WWD materials will be used in the government's wetland conservation education programmes during February to coincide with World Wetlands Day.

Antigua and Barbuda. Melesha Banhan (mgunning@sat.sandals.com), Environmental Manager, Sandals Antigua Resort and Spa, Dickenson Bay, St. John's Antigua, writes: "For World Wetland Day I will be doing a field trip with my environmental group to one of the wetland areas situated in Antigua, West Indies. . . . Any other information that you can provide me with will be greatly appreciated as we offer continuous training sessions to both our staff and the community on environmental issues and this information can prove very useful."

Argentina I. Jorge Cappato, Coordinador nacional, and his colleagues at Proteger (rios.proteger@arnet.com.ar) based in Sante Fe, writes: "Dear Dwight, We would like to share with you our WWD -- it's already available in Spanish in our web http:\\www.proteger.org.ar. Here goes a summary both in English and Spanish. "Fundación PROTEGER - Amigos de la Tierra, Argentina, is preparing the launching of World Wetlands Day 2004, from the city of Bariloche and the mountainous surroundings of the National Park Nahuel Huapi, representing one of most important centres of tourism in Patagonia. It´s precisely from this southern Argentinian city, having a record of national and international visitors, that PROTEGER wish to bring attention to the importance of mountain wetlands to Argentina and the rest of the world. The NGO has been working with Ramsar since 1999 for the diffusion of World Wetlands Day. The region has Ramsar sites of unique landscape, biological and cultural value: Laguna Blanca (Neuquén), Llancanelo (Mendoza), Guanacache (Mendoza y San Juan) and the Reserva Costa Atlántica (Tierra del Fuego). The outstanding variety of aquatic birds is one of the main attractions in this area."

La Fundación PROTEGER - Amigos de la Tierra, Argentina, prevé lanzar el Día Mundial de los Humedales 2004, desde la ciudad de Bariloche y el entorno montañoso del Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. Este es uno de los centros más importantes de recepción turística de la Patagonia. Precisamente desde esta ciudad del sur argentino que tiene un récord de visitantes nacionales e internacionales, PROTEGER se propone llamar la atención sobre la importancia de los humedales de montaña para la Argentina y el mundo. La ONG viene trabajando con Ramsar desde 1999 en la difusión del Día Mundial de los Humedales (DMH). La región cuenta con sitios Ramsar de singular valor paisajístico, biológico y cultural: Laguna Blanca (Neuquén), Llancanelo (Mendoza), Guanacache (Mendoza y San Juan) y Reserva Costa Atlántica (Tierra del Fuego). La impresionante variedad de aves acuáticas es uno de los principales atractivos de la zona.

In addition, Jorge Cappato has sent a photograph of "Members of the Club Andino Bariloche (CAB) and PROTEGER at the top of the López hill (2076m above sea level) and Nahuel Huapi Lake as framework, spreading Ramsar flag in celebration of World Wetlands Day." Here it is.

In addition, a PDF file with a new Spanish Brochure on Wetlands and World Wetlands Day 2004 is available on: www.proteger.org.ar/archivos/1_BoletinDiaMundialSepiaFinal.pdf. For copies mail to: Leticia Isaurralde - PROTEGER (rios.proteger@arnet.com.ar). On Humedales Chaco, see also: http://www.proteger.org.ar/documento.php?id=184.

Argentina II. Lic. Alejandra Cornejo (acornejo@cedepesca.org.ar) of CeDePesca (Centro en Defensa de la Pesca Nacional) está escribiendo: "Ante todo permítame presentarme: me llamo Alejandra Cornejo y trabajo en humedales costeros de la provincia de Buenos Aires, con énfasis en pesca. Actualmente estamos articulando una serie de charlas educativas en escuelas rurales del área de la Bahía Samborombón (sitio Ramsar y Area Protegida Provincial). Le escribo para comentarle todo esto, ya que tenemos interés en difundir la problemática de los humedales en la comunidad escolar, y me interesa contar con material: El DMH coincide con las vacaciones escolares, por lo cual obligadamente o lo trabajamos antes o despues (las vacaciones son de diciembre a marzo). Pero como también estamos proyectando actividades en la zona de Bahía Blanca, Bahía Verde y Bahía Falsa, Punta Lara (todas Reservas Naturales Provinciales) con los pescadores artesanales y deportivos, el material mencionado anteriormente también será de utilidad para las charlas educativas ambientales."

Argentina III. Lic. Paola Germain (pgermain@criba.edu.ar), Presidenta de TELLUS, Asociación Conservacionista del Sur in Buenos Aires, está escribiendo: "Las actividades todavía están en etapa de planeamiento, pero lo que pensamos hacer es una muestra en una sala pública de nuestra ciudad, a la que asiste el público en general. Vamos exponer posters (algunos que tenemos más los que ustedes manden), diapositivas, algún video. En la zona cercana a Bahía Blanca hay reservas naturales que incluyen humedales, entre ellas la Reserva Natural de Usos Múltiples Bahía Blanca, Bahía Falsa y Bahía Verde, en la cual se está trabajando para que pueda ser nombrada sitio Ramsar. Tenemos material sobre estos lugares que vamos a incluir en la muestra. Además, la institución tiene contacto con varios establecimientos escolares de distintos niveles, en los cuales hemos ofrecido charlas sobre diferentes temas relacionados con la conservación de la naturaleza, y queremos preparar una charla sobre humedales para ofrecerla. Seguramente esta actividad se realice con posterioridad al día mundial, ya que en febrero las escuelas están de vacaciones. Por el momento estamos trabajando en esto, pero puede ser que se agruegue alguna otra actividad que se nos ocurra."

Argentina IV. Alejandro Felipe Oliver (afo@ecosrioplatenses.org.ar) está escribiendo: "Amigos de la Tierra junto a Ecologistas del Río de la Plata planean celebrar el día de los humedales promoviendo la protección jurídica y ambiental de la ribera interior del estuario platense (costa bonaerense, Río de la Plata) especialmente en municipios del área metropolitana norte del Gran Buenos Aires -Vicente López y San Isidro- en dónde desde hace más de 30 años y por la alta urbanización de la zona entre otras causas, se viene destruyendo el ecosistema ribereño mediante rellenamiento con basura y restos de demolición y de la construcción." Nota de prensa.

Argentina V. Osvaldo Montenegro (omontenegro@malargue.gov.ar) forwards a poster from Lic. Christian a. Alcalá, Director de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable, Municipalidad de Malargüe, Mendoza, on the 1º Jornadas de Conmemoración del "Día Internacional de Los Humedales" a realizarse en la Ciudad de Malargüe el Dia 2 de Febrero.

Argentina VI. The Government of Argentina has marked WWD 2004 by designating an extremely large floodplain complex along the Paraná and Paraguay Rivers in the Chaco region.

Argentina VII. Alejandro Giraudo (alegiraudo@arnet.com.ar), Secretario del CIM, INALI-CONICET, está escribiendo: "Los felicitamos por el pasado Día del Humedal, que festejamos en Jaaukanigás (Santa Fe, Argentina), con entusiasmo por un año 2003 en donde nos unieron muchas actividades, que seguramente se prolongarán en el 2004, para que podamos entre todos llevar adelante los objetivos de la Convención. En el día de ayer realizamos varias notas de difusión en radios del sitio y localidades cercanas (con la ayuda de INCUPO como siempre), se publicó una nota en el Diario el Litoral de Santa Fe (que les adjunto aquí), conmemorando el día a través de Jaaukanigás. Les deseamos lo mejor desde el Comite Intersectorial de Manejo de Jaaukanigás."

Argentina VIII. Comunicado de Prensa, Asociación Proteger - Prensa (asociacionproteger_prensa@ciudad.com.ar, www.asociacionproteger.org.ar)

Argentina IX. Viviana Pusterla (vpusterla@temaiken.com.ar), Dto. de Educación y Conservación, Fundación Temaiken, Buenos Aires, está escribiendo: "Durante el mes de febrero hemos comenzado con una acción de difusión para la conservación de los humedales que consistió en la exposición de posters alusivo al dia de los humedales, enfatizando en los argentinos y entregando folletos en nuestro parque. Al mencionar "comenzamos" es porque se trata de una pimera parte de la acción que se seguirá realizando durante el transcurso de este año y que consitirá en la entrega de los posters y folletos a todos los colegios que nos visitan. Por otro lado se trabajará visitando las escuelas (recie´n comienza nuestro año lectivo) de nuestra zona (estamos en una región de influencia del Delta Paranaense) realizando charlas y entregando manuales informativos para que el docente trabaje con sus alumnos. Cerrando la acción, estamos terminando de confeccionar un material didactico- informativo sobre humedales en general y los de Argentina, que lo incorporaremos a nuestra web. Adjunto un link en el que se puede ver el folleto y el poster, para que, si es posible, sea publicado en la pagina Ramsar http://www.e_mailings.merlo-online.com.ar/temaiken/humedales/index_02.htm."

Argentina X. La Asociación Alihuen nos ha enviado un comunicado de prensa sobre los Bañados del Río Atuel.

Australia I. Alison Beard (Alison.Beard@deh.gov.au), Inland Waters Section, Dept. of the Environment and Heritage, writes: "The Australian theme for World Wetlands Day 2004 is "Water for Wetlands - Water for Life". Many activities have been planned across Australia to celebrate World Wetlands Day. These activities include seminars, guided walks, learning about the fauna and flora of wetlands, festivals, bird watching, displays and wetland rehabilitation activities. For further information on activities and communication products, visit www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/day/index.html. The website will be updated as new activities are registered."

Australia II. Jeanie Heaslop (j.heaslop@cqu.edu.au), Coastal Management Officer, Fitzroy Basin Association (http://www.fba.org.au), writes: "I am coordinating a series of WWD 2004 activities in Central Queensland, Australia. The possible suggestions for activities (working with local "Landcare" groups in several locations) include guided walks in Corio Bay (Ramsar site) and Port Curtis . . . with both school groups and community as well as school presentations on the importance of wetland management and protection and an introduction to the "Waterwatch" program (Australian Government project)."

Australia III. John Caven (johncaven@optusnet.com.au), Conservation Officer with Field and Game Australia in Whittlesea, Victoria, writes: "This time of year in Victoria, Australia, summer is well underway, our native bird breeding cycle is coming to an end and as conservationists/hunters we are preparing to undertake maintenance on the nest boxes. Members of the Metropolitan Branch of Field and Game Australia will commemorate this occasion this year on 31 January 2004 by visiting wetlands, cleaning out nest boxes, replenishing straw, all of which is aimed at improving the efficiency whilst educating the general community and informing all levels of government." Here is the media release of 7 January 2004 and here is the brief report afterwards, with photos.

Australia IV. Ann Aldersey (aldersey.ann@saugov.sa.gov.au), Regional Planner, South East Region, Department for Environment and Heritage in Mount Gambier, South Australia, writes: "We are hoping to hold an open day at a Ramsar wetland that we are in the process of developing a management plan for. It is planned that this will assist our community consultation phase." Ranger Rebecca Crack (Crack.Rebecca2@saugov.sa.gov.au) reports that WWD "at Bool Lagoon Game Reserve and Hacks Lagoon Conservation Park in the South East of Australia was a success. The local rangers planned guided tours and information talks from experts in water management, flora, fauna, threatened species and water watch. Activities were organised from 2pm to 4pm with a total of 60 people joining in. A great display was erected with many handouts, stickers, posters, display of local animals, hands on activities and free refreshments. The weather was great and it was proposed to organise activities again for next year when water levels are higher. A big thanks to those from Mt Gambier who helped on the day." Here are photos.

Australia V. Emily Boucher (e.boucher@campaspe.vic.gov.au), Stormwater Officer, Shire of Campaspe in Victoria, writes: "Attached is our media release for World Wetlands Day Activities at Kyabram Fauna Park. For more information on the Fauna Park see http://www.kyabramfaunapark.com.au/. We will send a report after the day, including photos. Thanks very much for your support." Here is the brief report afterwards.

Australia VI. Brenda (bs.westernlakes@bigpond.com) of Greening Australia writes: "I'm just letting you know about an activity we're organising for World Wetlands Day. The Borrell-a-kandelop (meaning resting place for waterbirds in local language) project is running a free bird identification day on the Western District Ramsar Lakes site. We will have the assistance of local expert naturalists who will help us to identify migratory and non-migratory birds."

Australia VII. Cath Harris (catherine.harris@gippswater.com.au), Scientific Officer - Environmental Governance, Gippsland Water, Traralgon, writes: "Just a quick note to let you know about the activities planned for WWD in the Gippsland Region. A number of local agencies have joined together to run activities for WWD 2004. They include Gippsland Water, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, West Gippsland Waterwatch, EPA and City of Latrobe. Activities will be held at the Traralgon Railway Reservoir in Victoria on the 2nd of February 2004. Students from a local primary school will come along and participate in Waterwatch and stormwater education activities and also become wetland detectives for the day on their discover the wetlands walk."

Australia VIII. Caroline Camilleri (Caroline.Camilleri@deh.gov.au), Ecological Risk Assessment, eriss, writes: "I would like to let you know of a significant activity taking place in Darwin. CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT -- Sustainable Futures for Australia's Tropical Rivers: The role of science in managing tropical rivers, wetlands, estuaries and coastal ecosystems. Venue: Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory, 1-3 February 2004. We will be acknowledging WWD and using the promotional material to send a positive message to participants about the significance of our wetlands."

Australia IX. Kylie Yeend, Project Officer (ramsar@wetlands.org.au), Hunter Ramsar Communication Strategy, The Wetlands Centre in Shortland (www.wetlands.org.au), writes: "I'm working on the implementation of the Hunter Ramsar Communication Strategy, at The Wetlands Centre (TWC), Australia (Shortland Wetlands). Attached is a copy of the media release for WWD'04 plus TWC's report on the day with a couple of photos. Thanks!"

Australia X. Karl Dickson (kd.westernlakes@bigpond.com) writes that "the 'Borrell-a-Kandelop' team put on another WWD activity which was enthusiastically attended by the local and regional community. . . . The Western District Lakes Ramsar Site has been project managed by Greening Australia (Victoria) since spring of 2001. 'Borrell-a-Kandelop' is a regional aboriginal phrase meaning "resting place for water birds". Here is his report with photos.

Austria I. Anita Matzinger (anita.matzinger@ooe.gv.at) of the Amt der Oö. Landesregierung in Linz, in cooperation with the national government, indicates that Austria is designating its newest Ramsar site, National Park Kalkalpen in Upper Austria, to be effective as of 2 February 2004. Werner Druml, Director of the Department for Environment, Energy and Transport in the Federal Ministry for Foreign Affairs, adds that in fact Austria will be designated five new Ramsar Sites in all on WWD. Descriptions of all five can be found here. Photos.

Austria II. Gerhard Sigmund (gerhard.sigmund@lebensministerium.at) informs about more Austrian activities around WWD: "The Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Mr. Josef Pröll, together with the board of directors of the Austrian League for Nature Conservation (Naturschutzbund Österreich) and from "Verbund", Austria's biggest electricity power producer and supplier, will give a press conference on Friday, 30th January 2004. The "Life Minister" presents the new five Ramsar sites - all of them in the mountains! - whose nomination for Ramsar was strongly promoted by Gerald Plattner from the "Austrian Federal Forests". The Minister also will present a new Brochure "Ramsar in Austria" containing information on the general Ramsar commitments as well as on all the 16 Austrian Ramsar sites. Birgit-Mair-Markart from Naturschutzbund, the Austrian CEPA-Focal Point and Hans Haider from Verbund will present the establishment of a new "WasSerleben Small Grants Fund 2004" supporting conservation projects for Austria´s "WasSerlebensräume" (aquatic habitats). The fund will be managed by "Naturschutzbund". Two more Ramsar sites are in preparation." Photos.

Bangladesh. Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, Chairman, Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) (fejb@bangla.net), writes: "Marking the World Wetlands Day 2004, the Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB) in collaboration of the World Water Forum of Journalists (WWFJ) with support from Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under SEMP is organising a Seminar titled 'From the Mountains to the Sea: Wetlands at Work for Us' at 10.00 am on January 30, 2003 at FEJB Conference Room at 42/1/Kha, Segun Bagicha, Dhaka. Environment and Forest Minister Shajahan Siraj MP, Water Resource Minister Hafizuddin Ahmed MP and State Minister of Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury will be guests of honour."

Belgium I. George Yves (yves.george@tiscali.be) pour le C.R.I.E. d'Harchies: "Situé dans la zone ramsar des marais d'Harchies, le Centre Régional d'Initiation à l'Environnement organise une visite guidée du site dans le cadre de la journée mondiale des zones humides (dimanche 01/02/04).Nous nous permettons de prendre contact avec vous pour avoir plus d'informations à ce sujet ainsi que de vous demander si vous pouviez nous procurer du matériel didactique (poster, vidéo,...)."

Belgium II. Catherine Debruyne (c.debruyne@mrw.wallonnie.be), Direction de la Nature, Direction générale des Ressources naturelles et de l'Environnement, Namur, écrit: "Veuillez trouver ci-joint, pour information, le compte-rendu des activités organisées en Région wallonne à l'occasion de la journée mondiale des zones humides 2004".

Belize. Dirk Francisco (internship@bas.bz), Public Participation Officer, Belize Audubon Society (www.belizeaudubon.org), writes: "Under an agreement with the Government of Belize, we manage 8 protected areas, covering an area of over 162,000 acres. These include the world's first Jaguar reserve, a Ramsar listed wetland site, and the world renowned dive destination - the Great Blue Hole. We work closely with the communities that surround the protected areas - recognising that their cooperation and input is essential to our work. BAS is the oldest conservation NGO in Belize, and over most of the 21 years since Belize's independence from Great Britain has been charged with managing eight of Belize's most biologically and topographically diverse protected areas. Through our education program, every year we celebrated World Wetlands Day, with most of the activities being centered in Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar Site). Most of the activities are geared towards the school children from the communities."

Benin. Josea S. Dossou-Bodjrenou, Musee des Sciences Naturelles, Nature Tropicale ONG (ntongmu@yahoo.com) in Cotonou, écrit: "Dans le cadre de la célébration de la journée mondiale des zones humides le 2 février 2004, le Musée Nature Tropicale ONG en collaboration avec le Forum Biodiversité se proposent d'organiser certaines manifestations pour marquer l'événement. Il s'agit d'une journée "Portes ouvertes" grand public au Musée avec entrée libre, visite guidée gratuite couplé avec le lancement de "l'Opération la Graine Future" dans les zones humides du Sud-Bénin. "L'Opération Graine Future" consiste à former des jeunes leaders pour la conservation de la nature en leur donnant une éducation basée sur les connaissances endogènes des communautés locales dans la conservation et l'utilisation rationnelle des ressources biologiques dans les zones humides et aux alentours des aires protégées (forêts et plans d'eau sacrés …). Les points forts de cette journée porteront sur les "Portes ouvertes" du Musée au grand public avec projection publique de documentaires de la Convention de Ramsar sur les zones humides et la visite de certains circuits écotouristiques dans les zones humides du Sud-Bénin par des responsables d'ONGs locales intervenant dans la mise en œuvre de la stratégie de conservation de la bioviversité".

Brazil. The Diretoria de Áreas Protegidas, Secretaria de Biodiversidade e Florestas in the Ministerio do Meio Ambiente, has produced a brief Flash animated show for WWD, which will need the free Macromedia Flash plug-in on your browser for viewing. "Clique aqui para visualizar a animação que preparamos para o Dia Mundial das Zonas Úmidas."

Bulgaria I. Valentina Fidanova of the environmental NGO Green Balkans (greenbal@mbox.digsys.bg, http://www.greenbalkans.org) in Plovdiv writes: "Dear Ms. Valerie Higgins and all at the Bureau, We welcome the Bureau's initiative to involve local NGOs, working for wetlands, in the campaign celebrating the World Wetland Day, by providing information materials in a form that could be published in local languages as well. Congratulations for the wonderful choice of a motto for the campaign!" A bit more here. Here is her illustrated report of all of the Green Balkans activities for WWD.

Bulgaria II. Mrs. S. Kalacheva, RIOSV-Burgas (riosvbs@unacs.bg), writes: "Thank you very much for the WWD 2004 materials. We got them right on time - 22.02.04. We`re having some information from the brochure translated (I hope this is not illegal ) in order to make it more popular and will expose a copy of this information in the both visitors` centers. It`s really interesting and the poster is beautiful. We`ll send You some pictures of our centres later."

Bulgaria III. Boris Barov (boris.barov@bspb.org), Executive Director, Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds/BirdLife Bulgaria (www.bspb.org), sends this note on behalf of the event coordinators, Ms. Radostina Tzenova: "This year the World celebrates the World Wetlands Day (2 February) under the motto "From the mountains to the sea -- Wetlands at work for us". That is why the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife International's Partner organization in Bulgaria) also will celebrate the Day from the Vitosha Mountain to the Black Sea Coast. Every Regional office of BSPB will organize something interesting for the celebration for the local public." Here is a description of the upcoming events.

Bulgaria IV. Milena Dimitrova, Centre for Environmental Information & Education (ceie@iterra.net), writes: "I would like to inform you that for the celebration of the WWD we produced 1000 copies from the sticker. Together with "Green Balkans" from Plovdiv in the framework of our cooperation with Danube Environmental Forum we organised this. Mrs. Valentina Fidanova from "Green Balkans" will send you several copies from the Bulgarian version of the sticker. On 2.02. we started the distribution of the sticker together with other information materials and publications in the Bluelink Information Network. An article is under preparation for the environmental bulletin "Ecopolis" here in Sofia. The information materials you sent to us will be used also during the planned trainings for NGOs and school pupils later this year."

Cambodia I. See International: Mekong River Basin, above.

Cambodia II. Prom Nga (stwetlands@camintel.com), Project Co-Manager, GEF/UNDP Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme, Stoeng Treng Demonstration Project, IUCN, has provided an entertaining report on the 2-3 February WWD celebrations at the Stoeng Treng Ramsar Site, organized by the Provincial Department of Environment with support from MWBP, IUCN, Wetlands International, CEPA, PLG, and OCAA, with a great range of participation from primary school theater groups to high level political representatives. Here it is.

Cameroon I. Hilaire Tchoffo of the Alliance des Enfants pour la Protection de l'Environnement (aepe80@hotmail.com) writes that "Nous souhaiterions entreprendre un serie de manifestation sur la Journée mondiale des zones humides 2004 avec les enfants que nous encadrons dans la province de l'ouest."

Cameroon II. Dr. Dieudonné Marius Mbog (mbogdm@yahoo.fr) in Yaoundé writes : "Nous organisons un atelier de formation sur la gestion durable des zones humides au Cameroun. Nous souhaiterions recevoir beaucoup de matériel pour distribuer aux ONG membres du réseau de conservation des zones humides d'Afrique Centrale. Nous comptons 210 ONGs."

Cameroon III. Chi Napoleon Forpah (nforpah@yahoo.fr) writes: "Marking celebrations of WWD, the Watershed Task Group (WTG) represented by Chi Napoleon Forpah and the Center of Biodiversity Conservation (CBC), represented by Tebeng Dilys Keng, all NGOs found in the North West Province of Cameroon, will in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MINEF) north West Province, be holding a talk show over the Cameroon Radio Television (CRTV) for 30mins. Highlights will be on the wise use of wetlands in Cameroon, functions and values of wetlands, the challenges faced and the progess Cameroon has made towards the ratification of the Ramsar Covention. There will be a field visit to strategic wetlands sites at the center of Bamenda town and in the Ndop plains." More here on Cameroon's wetlands.

Canada I. Rick Wishart (r_wishart@ducks.ca), Director of Education for Ducks Unlimited Canada, writes: "We are promoting World Wetlands Day this year in Canada’s premium national youth publication—“The Magazine-Not For Adults” (see their website at http://www.themagazine.ca/ ). Part of this will be a contest and we’d like to offer the first 100 people who respond with the correct answer a WWD poster, sticker and info leaflet (we’ll also provide other prizes like hats, t-shirts, etc.)."

Canada II. Lorraine Pond, Interpretation Specialist, Animal Connections, at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (pondl@vanaqua.org) in Vancouver, B.C., writes: "The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre will launch its 3rd annual 'Wetland Weekend' on January 31 & February 1, 2004. Last year over 3000 visitors participated in the two-day festival. The weekend's events run in honour of World Wetlands Day, and feature salmon stream and hatchery tours, activity stations in our wetlands-based Ribbitting Gallery, animal features in the Graham Amazon Gallery and a variety of family shows based on wetland conservation that include tips on what 'you' can do to help the future of the world's wetlands."

Canada III. Cathy Olliffe (olliffe@sympatico.ca) of the citizens' group Environment Haliburton (http://www.environmenthaliburton.ca) north of Toronto, Ontario, writes: "We plan to celebrate World Wetland Day for the first time this year (our group is only one year old!) with education sessions at the local public schools as well as our local governments. Wetlands protection has always been very important to us -- last year we published bookmarks on the subject and we are also involved in a battle to save a Provincially Significant Wetland from being sold off by developers."

Canada IV. Kelly DiDomenico (kd@trafalgar.qc.ca) at the Trafalgar School for Girls in Montreal writes: "We are a school in Montreal, Canada, and would like to promote World Wetlands Day in our library. We would be grateful if you could send us some materials to help us out."

Canada V. Tasha Murray, River Works Coordinator (riverworks@vanaqua.org) at the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (www.vanaqua.org) in Vancouver, B.C., writes: "River Works, a Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre aquatic stewardship initiative, is hosting a Celebrate Wetlands! activity on February 1 at Burns Bog, one of British Columbia's most famous wetlands. Volunteers from the Vancouver Aquarium and other community groups will participate in a scavenger hunt to learn more about local wetlands, and contribute to the restoration of the bog through a debris cleanup."

Canada VI. Trisha Holland (Patricia.Holland@gnb.ca),Wetlands Stewardship Officer, Fish & Wildlife Branch, Dept. of Natural Resources, writes: "The Wetlands and Coastal Habitat Program of the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources celebrated World Wetlands Day in Fredericton on February 2nd. We had a display in our front lobby featuring New Brunswick's three Wetlands of International Importance as well as posters depicting the important functions of wetlands and information on our provincial Wetlands Conservation Policy (see attached photo). Various brochures were available to the public, but the hot items were the WWD 2004 stickers and 'Wetland It's Vital' magnets. A press release was also issued and can be viewed on the NB government website (http://www.gnb.ca/cnb/news/nre/2004e0081nr.htm)."

Canada VII. Ellen Zimmerman (ellenzim@rockies.net), East Kootenay Environmental Society, Golden, British Columbia, writes that "This years' theme, "From the Mountains to the Sea, Wetlands at Work for Us", provides an especially fitting occasion to announce that the Columbia Wetlands will soon be nominated to be Canada's newest addition to the Ramsar list." Here is the Society's press release for WWD.

Canada VIII. Debora Soutar, Coordinator, Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve Society (herons@shawbiz.ca), Chilliwack, BC, writes: "Thank you so much for sending beautiful posters, stickers and informative brochures to help us celebrate WWD on February 2. The materials arrived in plenty of time for our River Cleanup on January 26 and enhanced the enjoyment and appreciation of the visitors to the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. Some of the visitors are school teachers and they were thrilled to receive useful and attractive materials. Although we have only been established since May 2002, we look forward to participating on a grander scale in future years."

Canada IX. Dr Paresh Pandya (ParishPandya@yahoo.com) writes that a number of organizations participated in World Wetlands Week activities, 1-7 February, in and around Windsor, Ontario, with celebrations in elementary and high schools, coverage in the radio and print media and libraries, and distribution of educational materials.

Chile I. Juan C. Torres-Mura (jtorres@mnhn.cl), Museo Nacional de Historia Natural in Santiago (http://www.mnhn.cl), writes: "The National Museum of Natural History is the governmental organization for CEPA and is preparing activities for general public and also with students and teachers for the next World Wetlands Day. We would greatly appreciate if you could send us the following items: . . . ".

Chile II. Humedales CAACH (info@humedalescoquimbo.cl) - Reporte de Actividades a realizar, IV Región de Coquimbo, Chile: "1) Firma de acuerdo de cooperación internacional para manejo sostenible de humedales en América Latina: Corporación Ambientes Acuáticos de Chile (CAACH), Centro Neotropical de Entrenamiento en Humedales (CNEH), y Fundación Proteger - Amigos de la Tierra, Argentina. 2) Lanzamiento CD Inventario del Sistema de Humedales Costeros de la Comuna de Coquimbo." Más. Comunicado de prensa.

China I. Ms. Yin Hong, Ramsar National Focal Point, China State Forestry Administration, and Mr. Bao Damin, Ramsar National STRP Focal Point, have informed the Bureau that the Chinese translation of the WWD 2004 poster has been printed in 10,000 copies for distribution to governmental offices, Ramsar sites, NGOs, schools, etc. Here's a look at it. (The cameo, right, is just a tiny bit of it.)

China II. See International: Northeast Asia, above.

China III. John, Cai of IMMCP (immcp2001@yahoo.com) writes: "Dear sirs and ladies: Best regards from IMMCP! Herein, we present you the introduction about the Wetland day activities initiating in Leizhou peninsula in China. Please find the enclosure. In case there is any problem or suggestion, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your attention for our project will be greatly appreciated."

China: Hong Kong. Ms Vinci Li (vinci_pk_li@afcd.gov.hk ), Wetland Park Officer, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (http://www.afcd.gov.hk), Hong Kong SAR, writes: "Once again, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dept (AFCD) in Hong Kong will launch a series of programs to celebrate the event on 29 January 2004 (tentative date). We're finalizing the program and details for WWD 2004, will send the copy when ready."

China: Hong Kong. TSIM Siu Tai, PhD, Conservation Specialist (sttsim@netvigator.com), Tai Po Environmental Association, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, writes: To celebrate WWD 2004, Tai Po Environmental Association (TPEA), a local green group of Hong Kong, has organized a giant wall painting activity to promote the theme of WWD2004 at Pui Ching Primary School on 17 January 2004. This activity was funded by Environment and Conservation Fund, and Environmental Campaign Committee of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Dr. TSIM Siu Tai, the Conservation Specialist of TPEA said, "some 60 primary students and their parents have enjoyed in the artwork design and painting a 20-m long paint on the school wall to promote the theme of WWD2004 - From the Mountains to the Sea Wetlands at Work for Us". Dr. TSIM added, "The giant wall paint is at a good location with many people and cars passing through, hence it is expected this wall paint could effectively give the message of appreciating our wetlands to public". Here are a few photos.

Colombia I. Maria del Pilar Lopez Mallari (prensa@eco-plan.org) writes "Hi, my name is Pilar Mallari. ECO-PLAN (non profit environmental organization) is currently working in Ecuador and Colombia. Eco-forum is a strategy to widen the access to environmental education, and as part of that strategy, we are distributing a free newspaper in schools, universities and private companies. I was hoping to include the "Working for Wetlands Leaflet" in the January February edition of Eco-forum, also I requested a small grant of US 250 to our HQs, to print the poster "From the mountains to the sea". The idea is to print the poster here and provide one to those schools and universities we work with (for free as we are a non profit organization). The main cities of distribution will be Bogota and Cali (200 posters in each citiy) and Quito, Ecuador (50 posters). Eco-forum is a project financed by Eco-Plan, Sustainable Network Colombia and the Green Press. It's apolitical and aims to raise environmental awareness. For the January February edition, we will be printing 50.000 newspapers." -- "Attached please find the flyer that we adjusted here, initially we printed 8.000 and for this other activity on the 21st of February we will print 4.000 more."

Colombia II. Carlos A. Gonzalez Escobar (carlosbreak@yahoo.com) está escribiendo: "como en los dos años anteriores seguiremos adelantando la campaña Humedales a ritmo de Fuga, en el territorio sur plano del municipio de Jamundí - Valle del Cauca - Colombia, cuenca alta del río Cauca. Abrazo de humedal para toda la familia Ramsar."

Colombia III. Alejandro Guerrero (aguerre@ula.ve) of the University of Los Andes at Merida writes that he works with the Amigos del Río (River Friends) for the Pamplonita River at Cucuta, a city located across the border from Venezuela, which during the driest season in this city (November 2002-April 2003) reduced its volume to its lowest historical level. The river feeds 1.5 million local population regularly, all of whom were affected by the drought. Amigos des Río is working to obtain resources to undertake the Pamplonita's rehabilitation and is already planning projects. "Hemos iniciado la preparación de la celebración del Día Mundial de los Humedales en Cúcuta (Colombia), espero a mediados de éste mes de Enero tener buenas noticias de la Corporación Autónoma Regional de la Frontera Nor_Oriental (CORPONOR Autoridad ambiental del departamento Norte de Santander), quien patrocinará la celebración conjuntamente con la Corporación Amigos del Río (ONG). La programación propuesta inicialmente, consiste en un ciclo de 25 conferencias en 20 colegios de la ciudad (Cúcuta), 4 universidades en jornadas de mañana y tarde y 5 conferencias a entidades gremiales. El objetivo es dar a conocer que es la Convención de Ramsar, que es un humedal, cuales son los que existen en las inmedicaciones de Cúcuta, conocer la precariedad del recurso agua en la ciudad y definir la importancia de los humedales y los servicios ecológicos y ambientales que presta, así como delinear las posibilidades de conservación de los humedales en el departamento."

Colombia IV. Gaby Garcia (gaby.garcia@cvc.gov.co) está escribiendo: "En el Departamento del Valle del Cauca, nos encontramos adelantando programas de conocimiento, conservación y uso racional de los Humedales, a traves de la Corporación Autonoma Regional del Valle del Cauca - CVC. Esta entidad se encarga de administrar los recursos naturales y velar por la conservación de los mismos, nuestra estructura administrativa cuenta con ocho Oficinas de gestión ambiental, donde se atienden alrededor de 3,000.000 de habitantes que es la población sujeto de intervención a la cual llegamos a traves de medios de comunicación (programa Cuentos Verdes) y de manera directa con programas de Educación Ambiental y atención de ususarios. Desde el año 2000, hemos celebrado el día mundial de los humedales a partir de las directrices que ustedes han dado e involucrando a las comunidades en ello, a tal punto que existen iniciativas comunitarias entorno a la celebración, que desde la instucionalidad son apoyadas. Este año no puede ser la excepcion y por tal motivo buscamos saber que tramite hay que adelantar para tener acceso a la información necesaria, para obtener los poster alusivos a la celebración y el video, puesto que la persona que se encargada de ello se encuentra por fuera del pais, y afortudamante este año la labor esta en mis manos. Cabe anotar que nos gustaria encontrar la pagina en español y el material en el mismo idioma, para asi llegar a cada una de nuestras comunidades, puesto que contamos con campesinos, minorias etnicas y demás."

Colombia V. Alma Isbel Ariza Ramírez (ariza.a@javeriana.edu.co), Pontifícia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, está escribiendo: "La Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales- Departamento de ecología y Territorio, llevará a cabo el día 3 de febrero, la Celebración del DÍA MUNDIAL DE LOS HUMEDALES mediante una jornada académica con el fin de dar a conocer estudios desarrollados en el tema; por lo tanto, se invita a los estudiantes interesados en presentar sus trabajos y personas interesadas en asistir al evento, inscribirse en el correo electrónico ariza.a@javeriana.edu.co." Informe, 09/02/04.

Colombia VI. María Rivera (mrivera@minambiente.gov.co), Ministerio de Ambiente, Desarrollo y Ordenamiento Territorial, está escribiendo: "Para celebrar el día mundial de los humedales hay muchos eventos a nivel nacional tanto por entidades gubernamentales y no gubernamentales. Nosotros hemos convocado a una jornada dirigida a una amplia divulgación sobre la importancia y valor de los humedales con la participación de niños y jovenes. Para esto en el humedal de Santa María del Lago, vamos tener una caminata de observación sobre las características, fauna y flora de los humedales y un concurso de pintura infantil con niños de 6-8 años y de 9-12 años. Las pinturas ganadoras serviran de motivo principal para la reimpresión de un plegable alusivo a los humedales y como motivo principal para el tercer curso de humedales que haremos este año. Así mismo, tendremos conferencias para dar a concer algunos avances en el tema como es la presentación de los resultados del estudio de valoración economica que terminamos el año pasado y la presentación de una cartilla de educación ambiental para niños sobre la cuenca del río Tunjuelito. Este día tambíen se anunciara la designación del Delta del Baudo como Humedal de Importancia Internacional."

Colombia VII. Jairo Valderrama Barco (jvalde@humedales.com), Fundación Humedales, Bogotá: Fotos, Celebración Día Mundial de los Humedales en la Escuela Guatancuy -Laguna de Fúquene.

Colombia VIII. Germán Galindo Hernández, Punto Focal No Gubernamental Colombia, Fundación Humedal la Conejera (humedalconejera@sky.net.co), está escribiendo: "El día 28 de febrero hicimos un recorrido, por seis humedales de Bogotá con la participación de las organizaciones miembros de la Red de Humedales de Bogotá y la nueva Administración de Bogotá al final realizamos un Coversatorio y acordamos una agenda de trabajo tendiente a formular conjuntamente una política Distrital para el menjo sostenible de los humedales de la región que corrija las incoherencias que ha presentado las administraciones anteriores. Igualmente buscamos fortalecer el proceso de participación social denominado desarrollado por la Red de Humedales cordinada por la Fundación Humedal La Conejera."

Colombia IX. Henry González González, Presidente, Centro de Estudios Socioecológicos "Francisco José de Caldas" (cese_fjc@hotmail.com), Palmira, está escribiendo: "El trabajo para este día constó de una contextualización sobre los Humedales basados en la información obtenida de la oficina de la Convención, este aparte teórico se dio en las instalaciones de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Palmira-. Posteriormente se hizo un trabajo conjunto con otras organizaciones de la localidad en los Humedales Timbiquí y Guarinó en el área de jurisdicción de la Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca." Más.

Croatia I. Vlatka Scetaric Legan (uzz-prirode-okolisa@zg.htnet.hr), Society for the Conservation of Nature and Environment "Eleonora" (UZZPO Eleonora) in Zagreb, writes: "We are planning to prepare some event for World Wetlands Day (meetings, birwatching for kids) and your materials would be a great help for us."

Croatia II. Eugen Draganovic, Head of Protected Areas Section of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Contruction in Zagreb, writes that the Ministry is planning to make a poster and leaflet based on the Ramsar materials for WWD. Ms Jasminka Radovic, Head of Expertise Division in the State Institute for Nature Protection, writes later that "On January 30, the State Institute for Nature Protection organised the public event dedicated to celebration of the World Wetland Day 2002. On this occasion the issues of Ramsar Convention, WWD, Ramsar sites, as well as diversity of wetlands in Croatia ranging 'from mountains to the sea' have been in the focus." She has sent a brief report on this and other activities, with photos of the celebration as well as of the poster and leaflet.

Cuba. "On Feb 2, World Wetlands Day, Global Exchange's Sister Swamps (Pantanos Hermanos) Initiative celebrates its one-year anniversary and the initial success of the project. The San Francisco-based human rights organization began "Sister Swamps" as part of its Eco-Cuba Exchange, a program developed to raise awareness and promote collaboration around environmental issues between Cuba and the US. "Americans are consistently impressed with what Cubans are doing to conserve their wetlands, especially in terms of citizen education, community involvement and public policy", said Rachel Bruhnke, Eco-Cuba Coordinator. "We think Sister Swamps can be helpful in wetland conservation work in both Cuba and in the United States. It is both a scientific and a goodwill project, and has been enthusiastically received by participants in both countries." The press release is here.

Dominican Republic. Paz del Castillo Gutierrez (pazcastillos@yahoo.es), Proyecto Araucaria Bahoruco de la Cooperación Española (AECI) y la Oficina Nacional de Planificación de la República Dominicana (ONAPLAN), Santo Domingo, está escribiendo: "El Grupo Jaragua y el Proyecto Araucaria Bahoruco nos disponemos a celebrar el Día Mundial de los Humedales en la Provincia de Pedernales, region que cuenta con importantes humedales como son la Laguna de Oviedo y los humedales de Cabo Rojo que forman parte de zonas protegidas de gran valor para la avifauna local constituida en Parques Nacionales: Bahoruco y Jaragua, de montaña y costa respectivamente. Para este fin hemos preparado un pequeño proyecto de educación ambiental que te adjunto a continuación, para lo cual vamos a necesitar los siguientes materiales EN ESPAÑOL: Cd-rom con los archivos Quark Xpress para la realización del Afiche." ---"Estimada Señora Higgins, envío el informe de las actividades realizadas el día Mundial de los Humedales en la Provincia de Pedernales - República Dominicana por el Proyecto Araucaria Bahoruco - AECI - ONAPLAN y el Grupo Jaragua. Las actividades fueron interesantes, hubo mucha participación y el material donado por Ramsar fue muy útil."

Ecuador I. See Colombia I: Eco-Plan, above.

Ecuador II. Nadesha Montalvo Rueda, Fundación ANTISANA (funan@uio.telconet.net, www.antisana.org), writes: "Thank you for your help and all the information you sent me. I am attaching the poster we designed to his message as well as a short note on what was our WWD by the Antisana volcano in Ecuador, with the participation of the US ambassador." Here they are.

Egypt. Injy Galal, National Information Officer, MedWetCoast - Egypt (medwetcoast@link.net), writes: "For this year's WWD it is coincided with the Eid holiday. Eid is an Islamic holiday, very much like Christmas, where people celebrate with families and loved ones. Although - like last year - we had a lot of activities planned at the local level in each site, we discovered they would not be feasible to carry out during that holiday. On the positive side, however, we did secure a hosting on the 'Good Evening Egypt show', a show aired on the peak hour over national TV. It has the highest viewership rates, estimated at more than a million. The show hosted Project Manager Dr. Esam El Badri and Prime Consultant Dr. Mohamed El Kassas, who discussed wetlands in Egypt."

El Salvador. Arq. Emilia de Quintanilla, Asociación de Profesionales del Agua (aspaguaes@hotmail.com), está escribiendo: "He aquí la reseña de las actividades de celebracion del dia de los humedales acompañada de unas fotos."

Estonia. Kai Kimmel (kkimmel@hot.ee), Estonian Ramsar Committee, writes: "In Estonia different activities are being prepared for WWD 2004 at protected Ramsar sites. Members of several NGOs (Tartu Students Nature Protection Circle, Estonian Fund for Nature, Seminatural Community Conservation Association, Student Society for Environmental Protection "Sorex"), Matsalu Nature Reserve and Kihnu Strait Marine Park have celebrated WWD since 2000 with special wetland-seminar and voluntary working-camp at different wetland sites. This year the camp will be held at Vilsandi National Park, Saaremaa Island. Traditional wetland-day will be organised at Matsalu Nature Reserve. Children of local schools will present research papers and reserve staff will introduce wetland birds. Special meeting will be held at Silma Nature Reserve to discuss wetland management issues with local community. Ski-trip in frozen and snowy wetland for local schoolchildren will be organised at Endla Nature Reserve. Conservationists taking care of Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve are going to celebrate the reserve´s 10th anniversary in February. With birthday cake they will visit local communities to introduce and discuss future plans of wetland management."

Finland. Sirpa Pellinen (Sirpa.Pellinen@ymparisto.fi), Information officer at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), writes that "The Ministry of Environment of Finland and the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) (http://www.environment.fi/syke) will have a press conference on 2nd February in Helsinki. 49 new Ramsar-sites will be designated. There will be 60 Ramsar sites in Finland from now on. The minister of environment, Mr Jan-Erik Enestam will represent the sites to the press. More information: Senior adviser, Mr Timo Asanti, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) tel +358 9 4030 0788 and +358 40 740 1597". The English language version of the subsequent press release can be seen at http://www.ymparisto.fi/default.asp?contentid=60747&lan=EN.

France I. Julie Le Bihan (jlebihan@parcs-naturels-regionaux.tm.fr), Animatrice du pôle-relais zones humides intérieures, Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France, écrit: " Cette année, le thème retenu pour la Journée mondiale des zones humides : "De la montagne à la mer, les zones humides travaillent pour nous", doit nous inciter à observer les zones humides en nous demandant de quelle manière elles "travaillent" dans notre intérêt, tant au niveau national que local, et comment les gérer de façon qu'elles continuent de prodiguer leurs bienfaits. Elle aura lieu le 2 février 2004 pour célébrer la signature à Ramsar (ville d'Iran) en 1971 de la "Convention relative aux zones humides d'importance internationale particulièrement comme habitats des oiseaux d'eau", ratifiée par la France en 1986. Comme les années précédentes, les pôles-relais relaient et coordonnent les événements organisés autour et à l'occasion de cette date anniversaire (cf. fichier joint et site du pôle-relais "zones humides intérieures" : http://www.parcs-naturels-regionaux.tm.fr/zones_humides/). La journée mondiale des zones humides 2004 arrive à grands pas... Préparons-la dès aujourd'hui!" Le Programme des manifestations organisées (PDF). Communiqué de presse (PDF).

France II. Alex Wignacourt (wignacourt.alex@mail.insa-strasbourg.fr) writes that he is organizing a WWD wetland exposition at the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg, INSA. "Strasbourg est la ville du parlement européen et dans ce contexte, nous envisageons d'organiser pendant cette journée mondiale des zones humides, des conférences thématiques."

France III. Aura Penloup (penloup@tourduvalat.org) of the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat in the Camargue near Arles writes: "Je viens de recevoir les affiches, les brochures et les autocollants: c'est magnifique! Nous sommes notamment en train de préparer avec l'Agence Méditerranéenne de l'Environnement un appel à propositions pour les associations et autres gestionnaires en Languedoc-Roussillon, pour cette JMZH. Nous allons également mener des choses à l'échelle de tout le pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes, donc également en Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur et en Corse, et en relation avec le niveau national: autres pôles relais, groupe Zones humides. Je vous tiens au courant lorsque nous aurons fait une synthèse du programme prévisionnel. Merci encore!"

France IV. Pascal Clerc, Centre d'Initiation et d'Éveil au Patrimoine d'Abbadia (CIEP Abbadia) (abbadia@wanadoo.fr, http://perso.wanadoo.fr/abbadia/), écrit: "Nous préparons une journée d'animation pour le grand public et le public scolaire à l'occasion de la Journée Mondiale des Zones Humides 2004. Cette journée se déroulera le 2 février à Hendaye 64700 FRANCE. Nous souhaitons pour cela recevoir tous les documents nécessaires à l'organisation et la médiatisation de cet événements (CD, Fichiers affiche, brochure et autocollant). Par avance, merci. Nous vous tiendrons régulièrement informé de ce projet. à très bientôt." PDF ici.

France V. Corinna Buisson (corinna.wirth@free.fr), Chargée de mission transfrontalière, Alsace Nature in Strasbourg, écrit: "A l'occasion de la journée mondiale des zones humides, l'association de protection de la nature alsacienne Alsace Nature et l'institut des zones alluviales du WWF (Rastatt, Allemagne) organisent comme l'année dernière un débat publique. . . . Alsace Nature et le WWF invitent à l'occasion du 2 février à participer à une réunion publique pour discuter de la gestion des zones humides en Alsace. Le débat sera organisé sur une demi journée l'après midi du 2 février au Conseil Général du Bas Rhin. Les partenaires en présence seront la Région Alsace, le Conseil général Bas-Rhin, la DIREN, la DDA, l'Agence de l'eau Rhin-Meuse et une organisation d'agriculteurs, les pêcheurs, Alsace Nature, le WWF." Ramsar's Senior Advisor for Europe, Tobias Salathé, will be participating in this discussion. Brochure (PDF). Compte rendu, avec photos.

France VI. Benoit Poitevin, Directeur, Ecomusée du marais salant (ecomusee@marais-salant.com), écrit : " Merci de nous envoyer les fichiers Xpres concernant les JMZH 2004 pour nous permettre de prépare nos animations. Nous sommes sur un site Ramsar dans l'ile de Ré en France: le fierd 'Ars et la fosse de Loix. Plus d'infos sur nous notre site http://www.marais-salant.com". . . . "Comme prévu nous organisons avec la ligue de Protection des oiseaux une conférence débat avec comme thémes la gestion des espéces envahissantes et le maitien des activités primaires sur les zones humides. Le dimanche 1 février à 15h aux Portes en Ré."

France VII. Améline Néreaud (cboucard@forum-marais-atl.com), Documentaliste, Forum des Marais Atlantiques, Rochefort, écrit: "Afin de préparer la journée mondiale des zones humides, le Forum des marais atlantiques souhaiterait obtenir les documents en langue francaise préparés à cet effet, à raison de 150 exemplaires pour chaque produit. Nous organisons une journée Portes Ouvertes à Rochefort dimanche 1er février 2004 de 15 heures à 19 heures. Pour cette troisième édition, le Forum des Marais propose un film nature sur la "Vie sauvage dans les roseaux" et plusieurs interventions sur la gestion des marais charentais. Vous pourrez également découvrir plusieurs stands de produits de marais." Le programme (PDF).

France VIII. Eva Sempé, documentaliste de Sologne Nature Environnement (sne-sologne@ifrance.com), Parc de Beauvais, Romorantin-Lanthenay, écrit: "Nous organisons une sortie, ouvert au grand public, sur les étangs de la Sologne dans le cadre de la Journée mondiale des Zones Humides le samedi 31 janvier. Pourrez-vous, s'il vous plaît, nous faire parvenir l'affiche, la brochure et les autocollants."

France IX. Katia Boudjemadi (KBoudjemadi@wwf.fr), Chargée de mission eau douce, WWF-France in Paris, écrit: "Comme vous nous l'avions annoncé, vous trouverez ci-joint l'invitation [not included here] pour le débat sur l'avenir de la Camargue organisé par le WWF-France sur la Péniche le Marcounet à Paris le 3 février 2004 à 18h30. En présence du Président du WWF-France, de la Directrice du Comité Départemental du Tourisme des Bouches du Rhône, du Directeur de l'Office de Tourisme d'Arles, du Directeur des Marais du Vigueirat, de la Directrice Artistique de la compagnie de théâtre camarguaise ILOTOPIE et du Directeur du Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue."

France X. Emmanuel Fery (M-O-P.fery@wanadoo.fr), La Maison de l'Oiseau et du Poisson (www.m-o-p.fr.st), Outines, écrit: "Je tiens tout d'abord à vous informer que la Maison de l'Oiseau et du Poisson, située au Lac du Der Chantecoq (51-site Ramsar), organisera ce jour là une animation, conjontement avec l'ONCFS, gestionnaire de la réserve du Lac du Der-Chantecoq (RNCFS) dans le cadre de la JO des Zones Humides. Notre structure accueille 21 000 visiteurs en moyenne par année de toutes catégories (dont une moitié de scolaires jusqu'au BTS et niveau supérieur, IUFM etc...). L'animation se déroulera donc le 02 février 2004 l'après-midi à l'accueil de la Maison de l'Oiseau et du Poisson, avec des explications sur les zones humides, ce qu'est Ramsar etc...et sera suivie d'une sortie sur le terrain, en bordure du lac du Der-Chantecoq."

France XI. Claude Guisset, Conservateur de la Réserve Naturelle de Py, Centre d'Initiation à l'Ecologie Montagnarde (RNatPY@aol.com), écrit: "Dans le cadre des journées mondiales consacrées aux zones humides, avec l'aide de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon et de la DIREN LR, nous organisons le samedi 31 janvier prochain, une journée de découverte et de protection d'un cours d'eau de montagne au village de Py (France; Pyrénées-Orientales). Nous avons prévu en fin d'après-midi une présentation en salle des enjeux liés aux zones humides et je pense que la cassette vidéo qui a été réalisée à ce sujet nous serait trés utile."

France XII. Amélie Lesaffre (a.lesaffre@sdv.fr), Chargée de mission Maison de l'eau et de la Rivière (www.parc-vosges-nord.fr), écrit: "Nous avons eu vos coordonnées par la fédération des parcs naturels régionaux. Nous organisons une soirée-débat dans le cadre des journées mondiales des Zones humides, le 2/02. Merci de nous les adresser rapidement (sinon il sera trop tard), les supports que vous proposez: K7 vidéo (en français), affiches, brochure ZH."

France XIII. Nicolas Cotrel, coordinateur naturaliste à Deux-Sèvres Nature Environnement (deuxsevres.nature@laposte.net), écrit: "Nous organisons 1 sortie de découverte et de réflexion sur un marais appartenant au marais poitevin située à Niort le 1er février. Nous aurions donc souhaité disposer d'affiches (20 environ) permettant d'annoncer cette sortie sur Niort."

France XIV. Joanne Anglade-Garnier, Responsable pédagogique, Réserve naturelle de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (resnat.sqy@wanadoo.fr), Trappes, écrit: "Vous trouverez ci-joint deux photos ilustrant l'exposition qui a été réalisée par l'équipe de la Réserve naturelle de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines à l'occassion de la journée Ramsar du 2 février 2004. Cette exposition est destinée au grand public non familié aux problématiques sur la protection des zones humides (panneaux : gestion des roselières par la réserve naturelle de Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, zones humides et imaginaire, la biodiversité une garantie pour l'avenir, l'étang travaille pour vous). Une classe en ZEP de la région a également été invitée à visiter la Réserve et à découvrir la richesse de ce patrimoine naturel exceptionnel. Les documents que vous nous avez envoyés nous ont été d'une aide certaine."

Georgia. The Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN, info@cenn.org), http://www.cenn.org, reports: "Integrated Coastal Zone Management Centre (ICZM) is the implementation unit for the World Bank and Global Environment Facility financed "Georgia Integrated Coastal Management Project", which supports the establishment of the internationally designated Ramsar site and wetland protected areas: the Kolkheti National Park and the Kobuleti Nature Reserve. As part of the World Wetlands Day activities in Georgia, a new Georgian documentary, devoted specifically to Kolkheti wetlands, will be premiered on the World Wetlands Day: 2 February, 17:30-8:00, Imedi-TV. In addition, a Ramsar video, translated into Georgian language, will be broadcast with national coverage: 2 February, 21:45, Channel 1 of Georgian TV."

Germany. See France V: Alsace Nature, above.

Greece I. See International: Prespa Transboundary Park.

Greece II. Maria Anagnostopoulou (anagno@medwet.org), MedWet Communications Officer, writes: "A WWD event is being organised by the MedWet Coordination Unit: On 2 February, the MW-CU will hold an information/celebration event at Villa Kazouli (its seat), in Athens. The event wishes to inform the services of the Greek Government which are involved in wetland management and conservation, NGOs, the MW countries’ embassies in Greece, representatives of the European Commission, the protected areas management bodies and their steering committee, the press and other interested agencies and individuals, with regard to the tools and activities of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and its Mediterranean Initiative - MedWet, and to the benefits emerging from their implementation." Ramsar's Deputy Secretary General, Nick Davidson, participated in this event, and here is Maria's report, with photographs.

Greece III. Elissavet Tzovani, Public Awareness Officer, LIFE-Nature Project "Conservation Management of Strofylia-Kotychi" (ciks@otenet.gr), Lappa, Achaia, writes: "The Information Centre of the Ramsar site: "Strofylia forest and Kotychi lagoon" is organizing a community clean-up and an educational visit to the major lagoons of the site (Kotychi and Prokopos), in order to celebrate World Wetlands Day with the participation of schoolchildren of the area. Estimated number of participants: 300."

Greece IV. Eleni Makrigianni of the Evros Delta Visitor Centre writes that "World Wetlands Day was very successful this year!" 120 schoolchildren from surrounding villages participated in an event that included a slideshow about the values and products of Evros Delta (presented by a school girl), educational games, and environmental crafts. Here is her report, with photos of the event and of the Ramsar poster translated into Greek.

Guatemala. Lic. Jorge Alberto Ruiz Ordoñez, Director General, CECON, está escribiendo: "Reciban un cordial saludo de parte del Centro de Estudios Conservacionistas -CECON- de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala a cargo del Sitio Ramsar 488, Biotopo Laguna del Tigre-Río Escondido. En el marco de la celebración del Día Mundial de los Humedales, conmemorando la firma del convenio Ramsar, se ha planificado una celebración organizada por este Centro, consistente en una serie de conferencias magistrales que versarán sobre los principales logros y avances en el manejo de los humedales mas destacados del país a la luz del tema del presente año." Más. Informe.

Honduras. Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente, Dirección General de Biodiversidad (ramsardibio@serna.gob.hn, dibio@serna.gob.hn), Tegucigalpa: "En el marco del Día Mundial de los Humedales, se realizaron diversas actividades en Honduras. Las actividades estuvieron orientadas a divulgar los principios de la Convención, de conservación y uso racional de los humedales como ecosistemas esenciales para mantener la diversidad biológica, para beneficio de las actuales y futuras generaciones. Asimismo, dar a conocer a la población los Humedales de Importancia Internacional en el país como prestadores de bienes y servicios importantes desde una perspectiva ambiental, económica y social. En ese sentido, en coordinación con organizaciones privadas y la Secretaría de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente a través de la Dirección General de Biodiversidad, se publicó un afiche sobre los sitios Ramsar en el país, se facilitó información a periodistas y se ofrecieron entrevistas por los medios de comunicación principalmente por la radio, medio al que tiene acceso la mayor parte de la población hondureña. También en uno de los periódicos de mayor divulgación, se publicó información en relación a la importancia del Convenio y los compromisos asumidos con el fin de promover la conservación de los humedales."

Hungary. Students at Central European University, Budapest, held an awareness event for WWD and a report, with photos, can be seen here.

Iceland. Gudrun M. H. Kloes (gudrun@anv.is) of the Atvinnuþróunarfélag Norðurlands vestra (Bureau of Tourism and Innovation) in Hvammstangi (www.anv.is, www.northwest.is) writes that "in the Northwest of Iceland we plan to organize a conference on issues of Arnarvatnsheiði and Tvídægra, the largest wetlands in Iceland. . . . Most likely I can send you a schedule of our conference in the middle of January, and a report will follow in February."

India I. Dr Francy Kakkassery (lak98@rediffmail.com), Research & Post-Graduate Department of Zoology, St.Thomas' College (University of Calicut), Trichur, Kerala, and officer in the Limnological Association of Kerala, writes that: "Every year we conduct different programmes in connection with World Wetlands Day. This year we have planned to conduct a 3-day (2nd-4th Feb 2004) national seminar on "Inland Water Resources and Environment" . In fact, it is a very good gathering of about 350 scientists and environmentalists all around India and the presentations of their findings. Besides , we have also arranged a field visit to a recently declared Ramsar Site, Ashtamudi Wetland. You will also get some more information from our web site, kindly go through it: http://www.geocities.com/klri98/national_seminar_2004.htm."

India II. Deepak Sethi of the State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in Kasumpti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (hpscste@yahoo.com) writes that customized copies of Ramsar's WWD resource materials will be distributed during competitions in catchment schools in the Pong Wetland area and community interaction activities in the area.

India III. Ajit Pattanaik (ajitpattnaik@hotmail.com) writes that an impressive series of activities, including raft races, painting competitions, and treasure hunt quizzes, are planned for the villages around Chilika Lake in Orissa, to celebrate both World Wetlands Day and "Asian Wetlands Week" through to 7 February, in collaboration with Ramsar Center Japan. The Ramsar brochure "Working for Wetlands" has also been translated into the local language Oriya. Here is the programme.

India IV. Dr Jnanendra Rath (jnanendra01@hotmail.com), with the NGO "Development Innovators" in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, writes: "We concentrate our work on biodiversity conservation in wetlands of Orissa and wise use of resources. WWD was celebrated in Chilika lake every year by the Chilika Development Authority. Recently Bhaterkanika was also added as a new Ramsar site of Orissa, and besides these two major wetlands there are also other wetlands in Orissa, namely Ansupa lake, Hirakud, Mahanadi delta, etc. This year we are planning to celebrate WWD in other wetlands, Bhaterkanika, Ansupa, Hirakud, etc., and to make people aware about the values of wetlands."

India V. Vivek Kulkarni (vsk@godrej.com), Head, Mangrove Project, writes that the "Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre is a small organisation working in Mumbai towards mangrove conservation. We have been active since 1985 and contributed largely to saving the city's mangroves. Currently, we are working with the government to declare Mumbai's largest mangrove area, Thane Creek, as a Ramsar site and the matter has been cleared from our State Govt. and sent to the Central Govt. for submission to the Bureau. Our first WWD was celebrated in 1998 by holding a seminar on conservation of Mumbai Mangroves along with WWF-India, United States Asia Environment Partnership, and Panto-Ulema Inc. Last year, WWD was celebrated with about 250 environmentalists, and a mobile van for mangrove education was donated by Vasant Seth Foundation to Bombay Natural History Society, 122 year old environmental organisation from Mumbai. This year also, we intend to continue our education projects and would appreciate printed material from the Bureau." Here is the illustrated report sent by Laxmikant Deshpande (amar@godrej.com), Education Officer, Mangrove Project, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd..

India VI. Chander Parkash (aryavarat@yahoo.co.in), Lecturer in the Department of Zoology at DAV College in Amritsar, Punjab, writes: "As in previous years, this year too, we have decided to celebrate World Wetlands Day and we are planning wide level activities on 2nd Feb. 2004. This year we're planning to encourage employees from some government offices to participate in the activities so that they can also be made aware about the functions & values of wetlands. Of course, students (school, colleges & university), teachers & local villagers in and around the three Ramsar sites in Punjab (i.e. Harike, Kanjli & Ropar) will remain our main target groups. We are planning for guest lectures by wetland ecologists. I shall highly appreciate if you will be able to send us WWD resource materials for a gathering of about 1000 persons."

India VII. Ms Rifat Manzoor (ms_rifat@yahoo.co.in), EE coordinator at the Valley Commonwealth Public School in Rampora, Srinagar, Kashmir, writes: "This year World Wetlands Day is being observed in our school with a difference. Our school organisation has decided to visit three world famous wetland reservoirs (Hygam, Hokharsar, and Walur in Kashmir) and the students have been directed to prepare a complete project report on the visit including the statistics. And a debate competition on the same subject among the students is being planned. In order to make this event more public and to engage the other students and educators of the area, please send us print material so that we may be able to make this event a reality."

India VIII. Dr Satnam Singh Ladhar (ssladhar@yahoo.com), Principal Scientific Officer (Env), Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh, writes: "I assure you that we will celebrate World Wetlands Day with great enthusiasm. . . . As you may be aware, we have three Ramsar wetland sites in Punjab State. These are Harike, Kanjli and Ropar. We intend to celebrate WWD-2004 at all three sites as we have been doing earlier. During earlier years we have also been giving advertisements in the News Papers to invite public attention for their participation." Here is a report from Lakhbir Singh, president of the youth organization PAHAL (pahal@vsnl.net).

India IX. Dr Anish Dua (anishdua@hotmail.com), Aquatic biology Lab, Zoology Department, GND University in Amritsar, Punjab, writes: "Each year we are celebrating the WWD with great enthusiasm in our region. We are situated in the middle of three Ramsar sites in the state of Punjab.The WWD celebration at our end involves educating school /college and University students and teachers about the wetlands and their importance. I assure you that the material shall be widely circulated/displayed and exhibited." Brief report here.

India X. Arun Kumara (arun117@hotmail.com) and Dr. R. K.Ranjan Singh (ranjanrk@sancharnet.in), General secretary of the Manipur Association For Science And Society (MASS) write that "As usual we are organising world wetlands Day 2004 at Imphal (Manipur) and Manipur University (Canchipur, Imphal), particularly Loktak Lake." Later: "Dear Ramsar, We would like to report that the Manipur Association for Science and Society (MASS) observed the WWD 2004 with the following activities. 1/2/2004 Nature Visit and 9th-Mid-Winter Water Fowl Consus of Loktak Lake. 2.2.2004 Seminar on From Mountain to Seas with the theme From Mountain to Lakes/wetlands of Manipur at Imphal. Detailed report will be sent to you."

India XI. Thupalli Ravishankar (rthupalli@hotmail.com) writes from Godavari Mangroves, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh: "World Wetland Day was celebrated at Corangi village abutting the sprawling 23,000 ha. of mangroves under the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Nearly 300 local women (200) and men (100) who are members of Eco-Development Committee (Forest Conservation Councils) celebrated the World Wetlands Day. The World Wetland Day was organized by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, which is implementing a Community participated Mangrove conservation Project at Kakinada." Here is the illustrated report.

India XII. A. Kishan IFS (kishan@nettlinx.com), Deputy Conservator of Forestry, writes: "The World Wetland Day 2004 was celebrated in Kanna English medium school, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, wherein the importance of wetlands for sustenance of mankind was explained to school children. A photograph is attached for reference. The programme was organised by Social Forestry Division, Guntur and National Green Corps, Guntur District. For details of National green Corps and activities of Social Forestry Division, Guntur, please visit www.socialforestryguntur.com."

India XIII. Aswin Pomal (ashwinpomal@sancharnet.in) says that on WWD "Our Pelican Nature Club - Bhuj (Kutch, Gujrat) celebrated this day with counting of water birds at Kukma village tank & Lair reservoir at these" and sends bird counts totaling 76, including 17 Little Grebe. Members S.N.Varu, Ashwin Pomal, T.B.Chaya, Jaysinh Parmar, & K.D.Chauhan took part in this programme.

India XIV. S. K. Sharma (esichd@yahoo.co.uk), president of the Environment Society of India and secretary of the Children's Alliance for Protection of the Environment, based in Chandigarh, writes: "The Society recently organized a grand function to welcome the migratory birds. With this the society completed the 25th festival which is said to be the pioneering efforts in the world towards creating love for wildlife among the children, teachers, and common man, The details are enclosed. I would be grateful if you kindly published the same in your reports and journals." Here.

India XV. Jugal Tiwari (jugalt2000@yahoo.com), Ecologist, of the Seawater Forests Initiative in Eritrea, has been sending reports and photographs of WWD celebrations at Seawater Farms Eritrea for some years, as e.g. in 2003. This year he was visiting Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur in India, and has sent a WWD report from there.

India XVI. Dr. R J Rao (soszool@rediffmail.com ), Conservation Biology Unit, School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has sent a brief report of a WWD seminar at the University and field trip to the Chambal River.

Indonesia. Yullia, Anggota Muda LAWALATA IPB (lawalataipb@hotmail.com), writes: "LAWALATA IPB was formed in September 21st 1974 . . . for uniting between nature lovers at IPB which in that time were apart and to unite interest and will, talent and creativity of nature-loving students of IPB generally from all departments of the faculty in Bogor Agriculture University (IPB), West Java. On the occasion of wetland day in February 2nd, 2004 LAWALATA IPB and association of silvy (forestry) students will hold a programme for celebrate and introduce widely about it to community."

Ireland I. Karin Dubsky (dubsky@iol.ie), National Coordinator for Coastwatch, writes that an All Ireland Celebration will be held at Trinity College Dublin and that WWF, RSPB, and the Wetlands Trust "each will do something in and around WWD (with the Trinity College event being the joint action). For next year we have formed a committee and will plan a series of joint events. The Northern Ireland government will commit time and funds. Things may even get better in the South - with great wetland interest" amongst government authorities. Here are some photos of the All Ireland Celebration.

Ireland II. Claire Shellshear (cshellshear@weml.ie) of Wood Environmental Management Ltd., Ballymount, north of Dublin, writes: "There will be a workshop where representatives from Coastwatch, Birdwatch and Earthwatch will present wetlands in Ireland, projects for the local estuary and a reed bed wastewater treatment system. This will be followed by a walk and birdwatching session in Sonairte's own estuarine wetland. The day will be free for the public, and people are encouraged to bring their own binoculars." Here's a report by Michael Gunn of Coastwatch