The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

World Wetlands Day 2007 - reports page

What is World Wetlands Day? 2 February each year is World Wetlands Day. It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and made an encouraging beginning. Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits in general and the Ramsar Convention in particular. From 1997 to 2006, the Convention’s Web site has posted reports from more than 90 countries of WWD activities of all sizes and shapes, from lectures and seminars, nature walks, children’s art contests, sampan races, and community clean-up days, to radio and television interviews and letters to newspapers, to the launch of new wetland policies, new Ramsar sites, and new programmes at the national level.

Activities reported for World Wetlands Day 2007

(Note: many of the links below go to Adobe PDF documents on this Web site.)

International activities (national and local activities are below)

Asia Pacific region. Phil Straw writes to say that the Asia-Pacific Shorebird Network (APSN) Web site was launched on WWD 2007. The APSN is a network of people dedicated to the study and conservation of shorebirds and their wetland habitats in the Asia Pacific Region. To learn more about the APSN go to http://www.shorebirdnetwork.org.

Convention on Biological Diversity. Mr Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of the CBD, issued a statement on the occasion of WWD 2007 relating this year's theme - Fish for Tomorrow? - to the CBD and the 2010 Biodiversity Target. Here it is (PDF).

CREHO, the Ramsar Regional Center for Training and Research on Wetlands in the Western Hemisphere, has devoted vol. 2 issue 1 of its INFOWETLANDS newsletter to World Wetlands Day. Here it is in and (PDF).

Danube region. Paul Csagoly, Communications Expert, UNDP-GEF Danube Regional Project based in Vienna (www.undp-drp.org) writes: "Please find attached a press release from the UNDP/GEF Danube Regional Project embargoed for World Wetlands Day 2007. Its main message is that water managers in the Danube River Basin need to be better encouraged to use wetland benefits in removing and retaining pollution, while many NGOs are doing very good wetlands-related projects." Here's the press release.

Global Terrestrial Observing System. John Latham, GTOS Programme Director, writes: "Happy World Wetlands Day from the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS)! To mark the World Wetlands Day 2007, the GTOS Secretariat has distributed an informative GTOS newsnote to raise awareness of the 2007 WWD theme and to reaffirm its commitment to support the work of the Ramsar Convention, especially through the Partnership on Wetland Mapping and Inventory launched by FAO, through the Coastal Panel of the Global Terrestrial Observing System (C-GTOS), and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), an International Organization Partner of the Ramsar Convention, at the Globwetland Symposium organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) on 19-20 October 2006 in Frascati, Italy." The GTOS newsnote on WWD2007 is here.

Pacific Regional Environment Programme. "The Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Mr Asterio Takesy, believes that the responsibility lies with us all to conserve and raise our awareness of the utility of wetlands. 'I am pleased to note that the theme for the 2007 World Wetlands Day is fisheries because of the importance this sector holds in the lives of coastal communities,' Takesy said." SPREP's press release has been reproduced here.

UNESCO. The UNESCO Water Portal Weekly Update for 2 February (no. 174) provided a focus on World Wetlands Day and the Ramsar Convention, facts and figures about wetlands, publications related to wetlands, and links to wetland-related Web sites. Pertinent extracts are here and the original issue of the newsletter is here at UNESCO.

UNEP and the WorldFish Centre. Catherine Mgendi, CGIAR Media Relations, sends a WWD press release, "Will We Have Fish Tomorrow?", laying out three groundrules for reaching the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals, issued jointly by Dr. Stephen J. Hall, the Director-General of WorldFish Center, a CGIAR Center, and Dr Achim Steiner, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Wetlands International. Alex Kaat, Communications Manager at Wetlands International in the Netherlands, writes: "International Wetlands Day, the second of February, is this year dominated by the news about climate change. This day, the UN present a report acknowledging the link between human activities and climate change. The importance of conserving and restoring wetlands for fighting climate change is still not acknowledged enough." The press release is here.

National and local activities

Algeria 1. Nassima Aghanim-Lakhdari, Secrétaire Exécutive de l'Unité Focale MedWet-Algérie, écrit: "Dans le cadre de la journée mondiale de cette année 2007 : " les zones humides et la pêche ", avec pour slogan " du poisson pour demain ", la Direction Générale des Forêts célébrera officiellement cette manifestation mondiale, le 3 février, au niveau de la Réserve Naturelle du Lac de Réghaïa, site classé Ramsar en 2003, en présence du Ministre de l'Agriculture et du Développement Rurale et de la responsable du Fonds Mondial pour la Nature de Méditerranée (WWF-Med Po), Mademoiselle Francesca Antonelli, et de la représentante du Représentant résident du Programme des Nations Unies pour le Développement - Algérie, Mademoiselle Djahida Boukhalfa, Conseillère Programme Environnement des scientifiques et universitaires algériens, des élus locaux, des membres d'associations pour la protection de la nature." Ici.

Algeria 2. Farouk TERKI, Escalier Fabre Beauséjour, Annaba, écrit : "Je travail au niveau de la conservation des forêts de la wilaya de Annaba en Algérie, et je vous envoie une partie de la présentation de la journée mondiale des zone humides, que j'ai projeté aux enfants de 14 a 16.ans. Je suis désolé si le document est volumineux mais il était au format power point que j'ai transformé en word, ce qui m'oblige à vous le transmettre en deux parties."

Argentina 1. Raúl Cardielo, presidente de Econciencia, está escribiendo: "Intensa actividad llevó adelante la Asociación Civil ECONCIENCIA el 2 de febrero, DÍA MUNDIAL DE LOS HUMEDALES, en la ciudad de Chascomús, República Argentina." Fotos.

Argentina 2. Liliana Goveto, Reserva Natural Otamendi, Dirección Nacional de Conservación de Areas Protegidas Administración de Parques Nacionales, writes: "In this e-mail I attach two PDF files in Spanish and English version to publish in the World Wetlands Day 2007 report. Thanks and best regards! Liliana." A photo of the poster is here.

Argentina 3. Graciela Capodoglio, Presidente, Asociación Patrimonio Natural del Partido del Pilar, está escribiendo: "Tenemos el agrado de enviar los siguientes archivos que describen la actividad realizada en la Reserva Natural del Pilar con motivo de festejar este día. Nuestra ONG es la responsable del gerenciamiento de la Reserva desde el año 2003." Aquí.

Argentina 4. Lic. Sara Beatriz Sverlij, Grupo de Trabajo de Recursos Acuáticos, Subsecretaría de Planificación y Política Ambiental, Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable, está escribiendo: "Apreciados colegas: Envío adjunto resumen de algunas actividades realizadas en Argentina por el Día Mundial de los Humedales 2007. Saludos cordiales."

Argentina 5. Jorge Cappato, Punto Focal ONG del Programa CECoP de Ramsar, está escribiendo: "Gente del Programa CECoP, amigos todos de Ramsar, Para el DMH 2007 la Fundación PROTEGER -miembro de UICN desplegó una fuerte campaña de comunicación para prensa, páginas web y ONGs de toda Iberoamérica. La difusión se inició en diciembre 2006 desde www.proteger.org.ar/dmh para dar tiempo a organizar actividades. El 2 de Febrero 2007, se emitieron entrevistas en radio y TV destacando la importancia de los humedales y la pesca de río, y el valor del Sistema de Humedales Paraguay-Paraná para la Cuenca del Plata y a nivel mundial. PROTEGER dedicó su Calendario 2007 al DMH [www.proteger.org.ar/doc596.html]. Saludos a todos, Jorge Cappato."

Argentina 6. Dra. Anna Petra Roge de Marzolini, Presidenta Asociacion Ambientalista EcoLa Paz, La Paz, Entre Ríos, está escribiendo: "Como es tradicional, la Asociacion Ambientalista EcoLaPaz, integrante de la Federacion Argentina Amigos de la Tierra, organizo una excursion a remo por un Arroyo urbano de la ciudad de La Paz, Provincia de entre Rios, Argentina, adjuntamos prensa con fotos.Espero que el tiempo transcurrido no impida incluirla entre las actividades desarrolladas en Argentina este año." PDF.

Argentina 7. Laudemiro Gonzalez writes: "Taller sobre los humedales en la mutual sentimiento bs.as. juegoteca 15 chicos con video que son los humedales charla-juego con figuras para recortar .coordinado por laudemiro gonzalez. gracias. laudemiro." Fotos.

Australia 1 Jill Molan writes: "In honour of World Wetlands Day, the Illawarra Greens remind the Iemma government of the importance of wetlands throughout NSW, but especially in the sensitive areas along the Illawarra coastline. This coastline was originally a string of wetlands from north to south, but now less than a third of the area's original wetlands remain." Here is the press release from the Illawarra Greens.

Australia 2. John Caven, Conservation Officer, Metropolitan Branch, Field and Game Australia, near Whittlesea, Victoria, writes: "Please find attached our Habitat Conservation Info Report No.1/2007 with photos which commemorates World Wetlands Day for 2007. A great time was had by all." Here is the brief report with photos of the nest boxes expedition.

Australia 3. Karyn Bradford, Land and Water Australia Community Fellow, Milang, writes: "To celebrate WWD 2007 the River Lakes and Coorong Action Group held a wetland walk and activities at the Milang Foreshore in South Australia, Australia. This year with the threat of the weir below Wellington having disastrous consequences to our Ramsar wetlands there was a crowd of over 200 people in attendance helping to raise awareness. For copy of my speech and audio go to http://www.stoptheweir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=76. For photos go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/maxbaumann/. For weir and water issues go to stoptheweir.com. "

Australia 4. Leanne Cherry, Marketing Manager at the Hunter Wetlands Centre, has sent an illustrated report on their WWD activities at the centre. Here it is (PDF).

Austria 1. The Austrian Minister of Environment, Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Josef Pröll, made this WWD announcement.

Austria 2. Gerhard Sigmund writes: "Please find enclosed an Austrian activity for WWD 2007 in Kärnten : wet meadows and peatland in the new Ramsar Site "Moor und Seenlandschaft Keutschach-Schiefling" will be cleaned from unwanted copse by volunteer helpers. They have been invited to bring their own chain saw with them. I hope it will not end up in a "Texas chainsaw massacre 4"..... "Schwenden" means keeping meadow land free from woody plants ; it´s interestingly a hardly known word in Austria. Dorothea knows the site already and we will invite for our 2007 National Ramsar Committee meeting to this place ("Seehotel am Hafnersee"). Alles Gute zum Welt-Feuchtgebietstag 2007 !" The announcement in PDF.

Austria 3. Stanka Dešnik, Nature park Goricko and TABRIH in Slovenia, writes: "I'm sending you short Report about our activities on Ramsar day 2007 - 2.02 and 4.02. Please put it under the activities in Slovenia and also Austria, because the 4. of February was organised the walking day at the river Mura on the border between Slovenia and Austria. Thank you very much for your support." Here it is (PDF).

Austria 4. Josef Fischer-Colbrie writes: “Good Morning from Salzburg! We also would like to report about some site management activities in wetland (no Ramsar site, but “Only” protected landscape): Two weeks ago the area of the “Hollersbacher Feuchtwiesen” has been cleared up in the frame of a collective action of the Salzburg region, WWF, OBf-AG, the mountain and nature rescue service and the Pinzgauer biotope protection group. Since the 12ha site was put under a protection scheme 20 years ago, the cultivation has been partly abandoned, which supported the spreading of the grey alder. Following up on the recent management activities a land-use and management concept shall be developed and implemented together with the land owners. Please find attached some pictures about this successful action, where about 20 people participated in." Photos.

Azerbaijan. Minister Gussein Bagirov, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in Baku, writes: "On February 02, 2006 World Wetlands Day was celebrated at the Scientific -Research and Education Centre in Shirvan National Park of Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan with participation of the representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations. On February 02, 2007 workshop named "Wetlands in Azerbaijan - Priorities, Problems and Solutions" dedicated to World Wetlands Day was held at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources." Here his brief report on WWD and other Ramsar-related activities in Azerbaijan.

Bangladesh 1. Md. Nazrul Islam, Director General (C.C.), Department of Fisheries, writes: "We are gladly informing you that the Department of Fisheries, Bangladesh has successfully observed the World Wetlands Day with the following programs: - Publishing Supplementary Issue in three Widely Circulated National Daily; - A Press Conference held in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock; - Advertisements containing messages on wetlands conservation and management published in the National Dailies on the day before; - A seminar held in the Department of Fisheries Head Office on the day." The details can be found here.

Bangladesh 2. Muhammad Shariful Islam, President, Nature & Biodiversity Conservation Society, writes: "The Nature & Biodiversity Conservation Society (NBCS) celebrated World Wetlands Day 2007 successfully through seminar and campaign. NBCS also published a souvenir on the occasion of the Wetlands Day." Here is the report, with photos.

Benin 1. The Agence Béninoise pour l'Environnement, on behalf of the government of Benin, designated two new Ramsar sites, effective as of World Wetlands Day 2007 -- Site Ramsar du Complexe W and Zone humide de la rivière Pendjari. Details and photos.

Benin 2. Claudia Amegankpoe, Biologiste /Environnement, Cotonou, écrit: "Le 02 Février 2007, le site du village Houakpè-daho dans la commune de Ouidah a été le théâtre des manifestations marquant la journée mondiale des Zones Humides au Bénin. Sous la responsabilité des ONG ECO-ECOLO et ACTION Plus, le forum biodiversité avec la collaboration du Partenariat National de l'eau PNE du Bénin et du secrétariat de la Convention de Ramsar une séance d'information et de sensibilisation sur le thème: " LES ZONES HUMIDES ET LA PECHE " a été organisée en vue de sensibiliser les communautés riveraines de la zone de mangrove du sud Bénin sur l'importance de ces zones et la nécessité d'une gestion rationnelle des ressources. J'envoie par la présente le rapport de la journée des Zone Humides au Bénin. BONNE JOURNEE."

Bosnia & Herzegovina. The government of Bosnia & Herzegovina designated Bardaca Wetland (Bardaca-mocvarni kompleks) for the Ramsar List as of World Wetlands Day 2007.

Botswana. From the Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre Library (HOORC). World Wetlands Day in the Okavango. World Wetlands Day activities in the Okavango on February 2nd included a HOORC Biokavango Project staff guided tour of three Okavango village sites for Botswana journalists. This year's theme, Fish for Tomorrow, was explored through meetings with artisanal, commercial and sports fisher folk in Nxaraga, the Panhandle and Moremi Game Reserve. Meanwhile, HOORC fisheries specialist, Ketlhalogile Mosepele, coordinated a contest for the best answers to a fisheries quiz circulated in the Ngami Times. http://flowhoorc.blogspot.com/2007/02/world-wetlands-day-in-okavango.html

Brazil. Maria Carolina Hazin, Técnica Especializada, Bióloga, Ministério do Meio Ambiente, Brasilia, writes: "We´ve produced 20,000 stickers; 2,000 posters and 200 DVDs. The DVD (which is in its final stage of production) will contain the flash animation (translated into Portuguese) and the translated leaflet. We´ve customized the leaflet, changing the international study cases in the boxes to Brazilian cases. The materials were sent to: all 27 regional offices (one per Brazilian state) of the implementing national environmental agency - IBAMA, to all 27 state environmental authorities, local and international NGOs (WWF, TNC and CI), Ramsar sites, National Wetland Committee members and fishermen representatives organizations. Together with the material we´ve added an official letter explaining all about WWD, this year´s motto, also explaining that the Ministry will be using it as a year-round campaign and asking for collaboration. I´m attaching some pictures of the WWD commemoration where we´ve displayed the video, material, etc. at the Ministry and IBAMA main entrance."

Cambodia. Christine Jalleh, Communications Coordinator, The WorldFish Center, sent an illustrated report on behalf of Mr. Mam Kosal, WorldFish Center, Greater Mekong Regional Office in Phnom Penh, describing WWD activities in Sambo, Kratie Province, that were organised by the Provincial Department of Environment and the Khmer Association for Development of Cambodia's Countryside, with technical and financial support from the Wetlands Alliance (WorldFish Center and WWF of the four core partners). There were over 400 participants and many other on-lookers, and materials included 10 banners bearing the themes of the WWD 2007 and messages calling for protection of Wetlands and Fisheries; 400 T-shirts bearing the logo designed by the Ramsar Secretariat, translated to Khmer, and the Wetlands Alliance logo; 100 posters and 200 stickers also bearing the Ramsar design and translated to Khmer. Here is the report (PDF)

Cameroon 1. Jaft Agiamntebom sends a report of the celebration hosted by the community-based NGO the Forest and Agroforestry Promoters (FAP) in Ndop Ngoketunjia Division. The aim of this manifestation was to create awareness of local wetland users (farmers, grazers, fishermen and hunters) of the unsustainable activities of the wetlands through over-fishing, slash and burn farming practices, farmer/grazers conflicts and extensive hunting of wetland wildlife in the Ndop plain. Here is the report.

Cameroon 2. Peter Ngea, Regional Communications Manager, WWF CARPO, Yaoundé, writes: "Wetlands day 2007 celebration in Cameroon had a special thrill with activities ranging from educational programmes for secondary school and university students to a special "March for fish". With support from WWF and MTN, the Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection (MINEP) went beyond the practice of symbolic celebration of the day only in Cameroon's capital, Yaoundé. This year witnessed popular participation in at least six of the Country's ten provinces." Here is the brief report (PDF).

Cameroon 3. Judith Ravin, Information Officer, Embassy of the United States in Yaoundé, writes: "To commemorate World Wetlands Day 2007, the U.S. Embassy organized a two-hour seminar at the Higher Teachers' Training College (Ecole Normale Supérieure), in Yaounde, on February 5, 2007. The program featured WorldFish Center Senior Scientist Dr. Randall Brummett, who highlighted the importance of the region's river ecosystem and the threats overexploitation and lack of regulation pose to this invaluable resource. World Wetlands Day posters and stickers, provided by the Ramsar Secretariat, were displayed in the conference hall. An Information Resource Center-generated informational packet on the Ramsar Convention, the importance of wetlands and suggested content for teacher lesson plans was distributed to seminar participants. Over 250 students and lecturers of the university's Biology Department attended the seminar. All were very appreciative of the program and expressed interest in having more seminars on environmental issues. "We now have a better knowledge of the wetlands of Central Africa and the various fish species they contain," a student commented. See http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/world_wetlands_day_2007.html and link to photos.

Cameroon 4. Chi Napoleon Forpah, Watershed Task Group, Douala, writes: "The Watershed Task Group (WTG) and Partners (EDCIF &CBC) celebrated the 2007 WWD principally with the Environmental Club of National Bilingual College (NABICO), Bonaberi, in the Douala Estuary. The main activities included (1) Poster presentations/classroom lectures on the origin/meaning of the WWD 2007 theme "wetlands are important for fish productivity-protect them", and then the role of mangrove forest ecosystems in fisheries productivity (2) Launching of the pioneer Edition of the Cameroon Wetlands Forum, a Newsletter produced and published by WTG & Partners with support from the NC-IUCN/SWP (see copy attached to report) (3) Two hours Radio Talk Show over Radio Environment of the IUCN-ROCA in Yaoundé on an Institute de Recherche pour le Developpement (IRD) funded mangrove sensitization project tiled -'Plein feu sur la mangrove' implemented by the Centre for Environment Watch (CEW)-project holder, in collaboration with Watershed Task Group (WTG) and the Cameroon Mangrove Conservation Network (4) Announcement of the Children's Art Contest, 2007 on conservation and restoration of mangroves." Here is the WWD report (PDF)."

Cameroon 5. Serge Herve ONDOUA écrit : "Bien vouloir trouver ci-joints, la déclaration et les discours du Ministre de l'Environnement et de la Protection de la Nature à l'occasion de la célébration de la journée mondiale des zones humides le 02 février 2007 au Cameroun ainsi que le rapport de mission de l'équipe Ramsar Cameroun."

Cameroon 6. Lambert Bene écrit: "Le WWF Projet Savanes, en collaboration avec ses partenaires locaux, MINEP, MTN, l’Ecole de Faune de Garoua, le Lamidat de Garoua, CRTV, Radio Salaaman, Cameroon Tribune et l’Association des Femmes Vendeuses de Poisson de Garoua se sont mobilisés le 02 février 2007, pour informer et sensibiliser le grand public sur l’impact des mauvaises pratiques de production et conservation du poisson sur la santé humaine et l’environnement. Le présent rapport décrit les activités menées et présente les résultats obtenus."

Canada 1. Randy Milton sends a press release from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Web site, to the effect that the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park will be open from 7 a.m. to noon to celebrate Groundhog Day and World Wetlands Day on Friday, Feb. 2. Admission and activities are free. The day's events begin at 7:30 a.m. with a First Nations welcoming ceremony to the sunrise. There will be face painting, crafts and hot drinks in the Greenwing Legacy Building where displays will also demonstrate the importance of wetlands. Here is the press release.

Canada 2. Deb Heidt, Park Ranger at the Columbia Wetlands Wildlife Management Area in British Columbia, has sent a large PDF reporting on the World Wetlands Day activities in the East Kootenay Region, with a WWD poster that was created and posted to local businesses and an information sheet distributed in the schools. Here it is (4.5MB).

Canada 3. Jerome Marty writes: "We had a super good time at the Ecole Renaissance, in Burlington, Ontario, talking about the WWD-2007 in 2 classes. Here is a short text to report the activities for your web page. If you requiere more informations, please let me know. This was our first time celebrating WWD and we look forward for WWD-2008. Thank you for your support sending the informations."

Chile 1. Diego Luna Q., Director, CAACH, está escribiendo: "Amig@s de Ramsar, Adjuntamos reporte de actividades programadas por la Corporación Ambientes Acuáticos de Chile, CAACH, con motivo del Día Mundial de los Humedales, 2007-01-30. Saludos cordiales desde Chile." Reporte de actividades planificadas para el Sistema de Humedales Costeros de Coquimbo (Chile) con motivo del Día Mundial de los Humedales.

Chile 2. Gustavo Pössel, Representante sitio Ramsar Laguna Conchalí n°1374, Región de Coquimbo, provincia del Choapa, está escribiendo: "Minera Los Pelambres celebró por tercer año consecutivo el día mundial de los humedales en Laguna Conchalí, con un acto musical, charlas y presentaciones. Existe hoy un centro de extensión de la minería sustentable en la orilla de la laguna que explica los componentes del ecosistema y hay guías que acompañan en su recorrido a los turistas y grupos de estudiantes que visitan el lugar. Este verano la laguna recibió 30,000 visitantes. Nuestro próximo proyecto es instalar pasarelas para puestos de observación en la laguna. Todo esto permanentemente bajo la supervisión científica de especialistas. Laguna Conchalí ya constituye un ejemplo de manejo sustentable de un humedal conocido en todo el país." Fotos.

China 1. Sandra Hails, Ramsar CEPA Programme Officer, participated in early World Wetlands Day celebrations at the Hong Kong Wetland Park, 27 January 2007. Here is her very well illustrated report, with very cute kids dressed up as wetlands. Further on this event, Carrie Ma, Manager/Education at the Hong Kong Wetland Park, adds: "Dear Sandra, The existing report that you prepared has covered most of the highlights of the World Wetlands Day 2007 Ceremony on 27 January 2007. Please find attached some additional highlights for the WWD programme series from October 2006 to February 2007. I have also attached some useful pictures, and for your reference, please find attached poster of the event."

China 2. Peter Bridgewater, Ramsar Secretary General, is participating in WWD celebrations and workshop on the Wetland Ambassador Action programme, sponsored by the State Forestry Administration and WWF, Beijing, China, 2 February. There is a photo here.

China 3. ShantRaj Jnawali writes: "To commemorate the World Wetland Day 2007 a two-day program was organized in Fu Yuan County lodged on the bank of Heilongjiang River, far northeast corner of China. The program was organized as a joint undertaking between Sanjiang National Nature Reserve and UNDP/GEF funded wetland Project "Wetland Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use in China"." Here is the brief report, with photos of the WWD Parade in -10°C weather.

Colombia 1. Edinson Tigreros Herrera está escribiendo: "Ayer dos (2) de Febrero de 2007, llevamos a cabo la celebración del Día Mundial de los Humedales, en nuestra Madrevieja “Videles” ubicada en el Corregimiento de Guabas, Municipio de Guacarí. Este año la organización del evento estuvo a cargo de la Corporación Autónoma del Valle del Cauca CVC, la Administración Municipal y de la Corporación Ambiental GEA (CORPOGEA)." Màs.

Colombia 2. Luz Amparo Nuñez, Palmira-Valle del Cauca, está escribiendo: "Les envio la documentación del reporte del dia de los humedales. De ante mano les agradezco el material suministrado." Aquí (PDF).

Colombia 3. Marta Salazar Jaramillo, Oficina Asesora de Comunicaciones, Corantioquia, Medellín, está escribiendo: "Buen día para ustedes. Los saludamos esperando que se hayan cumplido los objetivos propuestos en la celebración del día de los humedales de este año. Anexo les contamos en un pequeño documento que pasó en uno de los municipios de nuestro departamento, una de las actividades fue la liberación de tortugas que se encontraban en cautiverio, por parte de un grupo de jóvenes."

Colombia 4. Alma Isbel Ariza Ramírez, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Departamento de Ecología y Territorio, está escribiendo: "Reciban un cordial saludo. Anexo envio el documento de informe de actividades de la celebración del día mundial de los humedales. Gracias!"

Colombia 5. Angel Guarnizo, Fundación Humedal La Conejera, está escribiendo: "Hola! amigos,queremos invitarlos a un buen día de campo. Saludos." Aquí.

Congo, Democratic Republic of. On 2 February, the Ministre de l'environnement, conservation de la nature, eaux et forêts addressed the nation over radio and television, renewing his country's commitment to its wetlands and to the Ramsar Convention and pledging to designate, with the help of WWF, what is intended the largest Ramsar site in the world. Here is a PDF of his address in French.

Costa Rica. German Aguilar está escribiendo: "El Área de Conservación Arenal Tempisque y el Área de Conservación Tempisque tienen el agrado de invitarle a participar en la celebración del “Día Mundial de los Humedales”. Este evento se realizará en la comunidad de Puerto Humo, Nicoya, el próximo viernes 23 de febrero de 2007, a partir de las 8:30 a.m. Esperamos contar con su valiosa presencia, la cual le dará un mayor realce a dicha actividad." Invitación.

Cuba. MSc. Frank A. Ocaña Borrego, Especialista Ambiental, Departamento de Recursos Naturales, Centro de Investigaciones y Servicios Ambientales y Tecnológicos de Holguín, está escribiendo: "En adjunto le estoy enviando nuestro informe (PDF) de actividades por el Día Mundial de los Humedales. Este año la actividad fue denominada Jornada Infantil Protegiendo los Humedales, donde los niños y niñas son los protagonistas como hemos venido haciendo hasta ahora gracias al apoyo de la Convención Ramsar."

Cyprus. An invitation from the Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre to WWD events from 2 to 11 February 2007, here. And including an invitation in English to a WWD flora event (PDF). And, thanks to Thomas Hadjikyriakou, Akrotiri Environmental Education and Information Centre Manager, a brief subsequent report on both (PDF).

Ecuador 1 . Olga Quevedo Pinos, Ministerio del Ambiente del Ecuador y Coordinadora CECOP Ramsar, está escribiendo: "Recibe cordiales saludos. Adjunto al presente sirvete encontrar un resumen de los eventos realizados por el 02 de febrero en la región costa del Ecuador, espero que se encuentren a tu gusto."

Ecuador 2. Alicia Jaramillo, Coordinadora Proyecto Isla Santay, Fundacion Malecon 2000, está escribiendo: "De acuerdo a tu solicitud, envio breve informe de las actividades llevadas a cabo por la celebracion del dia mundial de los Humedales en Guayaquil, Ecuador. Agradezco de antemano la difusion de las mismas en la pagina de Ramsar." Aquí.

Fiji. Vai Jungblut, Associate Ramsar Officer based at SPREP in Samoa, writes: "As discussed, attached is the summary report from Fiji on their activities for WWD 2007 carried out by environmental education NGO, Live & Learn Fiji. Also attached is a pdf of their newsletter including info on WWD. Cheers for now."

France 1. The Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development of France has designated France's 24th Wetland of International Importance on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2007. Mares temporaires de Tre Padule de Suartone (218 hectares, 41°46'N 009°24'E) is a Réserve naturelle comprising four temporary pools and their catchments and two temporary streams in the southeast of Corsica. Further details here. Mauricette Figarella, Chargée de mission pour la Protection de la Nature, Direction régionale de l'environnement de Corse, écrit: "La journée du 10 février 2007 organisée pour célébrer l'entrée des mares temporaires de Tre Padule dans le dispositif RAMSAR s'était déroulée avec succès sur le site des mares d'abord puis à la mairie de Bonifacio, où le Préfet de Corse avait procédé à la remise des diplômes. Vous trouverez en annexe quelques photos de cette manifestation.

France 2. Julie Le Bihan, Animatrice du pôle-relais "zones humides intérieures", Fédération des Parcs naturels régionaux de France (http://www.parcs-naturels-regionaux.tm.fr/zones_humides/), has long been very active in coordinating WWD activities in France and has provided this extensive list of some 190 WWD celebrations planned for all over the country.

France 3. Tobias Salathé and Dorothea August, Senior and Assistant Advisors for Europe, participated in a joint WWD celebration at the Lac du Bourget Ramsar site in France, 1-2 February, sponsored by the Conservatoire du patrimoine naturel de la Savoie and the Groupe d'étude et de gestion de la Grande Cariçaie, with the signing of a formal twinning agreement between the Lac du Bourget Ramsar site and the Rive sud du lac de Neuchâtel Ramsar site at Grande Cariçaie in Switzerland. Additional press clippings.

France 4. "Metrofrance, a daily newspaper distributed for free across France’s ten biggest city agglomerations (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseilles, Lille, Strasbourg, etc.) – and therefore read by millions of commuters - has published today an article on WWD, Ramsar and the newest Ramsar site designation in Corsica: three temporary marshes in a Mediterranean environment. To find the story on the web, go to http://www.metrofrance.com/fr/article/2007/02/01/09/5630-39/index.xml".

France 5. Coralie Hermelou, Chargée de Communication, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, écrit: "Bonjour, Du 29 janvier au 04 février 2007 auront lieu les journées mondiales des zones humides. En Camargue, première zone protégée selon la convention de Ramsar en France, les nombreux partenaires locaux se sont mobilisés pour présenter un programme diversifié d'activités. Voici le programme des animations prévues en camargue dans le cadre de la journée mondiale des zones humides. Les activités proposées par la Tour du Valat y figurent." Ici.

France 6. Coralie Hermelou also writes, specifically about the Tour du Valat: "De nombreuses manifestations sont organisées sur la façade méditerranéenne, en Camargue et à la Tour du Valat. Vous trouverez en fichier joint le programme de ces évènements.Le 2 février, c'est également le moment que nous avons choisi pour lancer notre nouveau site Internet. Ce site se veut plus clair, plus fonctionnel, plus concis, plus lumineux." / "Several special events to increase awareness about the protection of wetlands are taking place along the Mediterranean Coast, in the Camargue and at the Tour du Valat (see attachment for further details). February 2nd is also the moment we have chosen to launch our new website. We hope you will appreciate this version designed to be more functional, concise and appealing." More details, and links to the full programme and the accompanying leaflet, here.

France 7. Pere Tomas-Vives, Programme Coordinator for the Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat in Mallorca, the Illes Balears, sent this poster about a conference-debate in Arles at the restaurant-fluvial Le Boatel on "the protection of wetlands and exploitation of fisheries: conflict or synergy". Here it is.

France 8. Nicolas Guilpain, Responsable environnement, Hotel de ville in Leucate, écrit: "Nous tenions tout d'abord à vous remercier pour l'envoi de documents lors de la préparation de l'événement. Cette année encore des animations ont été réalisées pour sensibiliser le public sur les zones humides. L'objectif a été plus ambitieux puisqu'en plus du large public le week-end, nous avons organisé 33 demi journées d'activité auprès de 11 classes de primaire (de 6 à 10 ans). L'idée était de créer une exposition collective présentant la diversité des zones humides autour des étangs de Salses-Leucate et de La Palme en insistant sur la pêche et l'ostréiculture. Vous trouverez un court résumé en PJ."

France 9. Aline Antoine, Animatrice des contrats territoriaux de la Vesle, SIABAVE, Reims, et Francis Guidou, CSP, écrivent, " Bonjour, vous trouverez ci-joint un compte-rendu de la journée mondiale des zones humides de Courville (51) et des les mails suivants les photos. N'hesitez pas à le diffuser pour faire connaitre ce site. Merci de votre collaboration, cordialement. "

France 10. Samuel Régnauld écrit: "Nettoyage des marais à Couëron - France par le syndicat intercommunal de chasse au gibier d'eau de basse loire nord. -- Bonjour, Vous trouverez en pièce jointe des photos prises pendant l'opération de nettoyage des marais à Couëron dans la cadre de la JMZH 2007 et qui viennent en complément du compte rendu que je vous ai envoyé il y a quelques jours. Cordialement." Compte rendu ici.

France 11. Thierry Roy, Animateur du Grand-Voyeux, écrit: "Voici un petit bilan du week-end Ramsar au Grand-Voyeux (en Seine-et-Marne, France). Bien cordialement."

France 12. Julie TOUSE, Chargée de mission Zones Humides, Parc naturel régional du Perche, Maison du Parc - Courboyer, Noce, écrit : " Comme vous me l'aviez demandé, je vous joint quelques photos de notre journée "zones humides". Au programme il y avait : 14h - 15 h : Diaporama sur les zones humides (fonctions, intérêt des zones humides) et un diaporama sur les mares. 15h - 16h 30 : Visite de l'étang du Parc après travaux de restauration écologique (présentation des travaux en salle puis terrain). Une salle était consacrée aux expo. "

France 13. Estelle Gironnet écrit, "Le Parc de l'Estuaire de la Gironde, Pôle-Nature du Conseil Général de la Charente-Maritime, géré par la commune de Saint-Georges-de-Didonne, a célébré la Journée mondiale des zones humides 2007 en proposant diverses animations pendant les mois de février et de mars." Voice le rapport.

France 14. Marie ROMANI, Pôle relais lagunes méditerranéennes région Languedoc-Roussillon (www.pole-lagunes.org), Conservatoire des Espaces Naturels du Languedoc-Roussillon, Montpellier, écrit : " Veuillez trouver ci-joint une adaptation de votre matériel pour les JMZH 2007 dans le Sud de la France. "

France 15. Hervé Rault, Communauté de communes de l'Ile de Ré, Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré, écrit: "Veuillez trouver ci-joint un petit reportage de la JMZH 2007 pour le site Ramsar Marais Fier d'Ars sur l'Ile de Ré."

Gabon 1. The Direction Générale de l'Environnement et de la Protection de la Nature in Libreville has designated three new Ramsar sites for WWD 2007: the Parc National Akanda, the Parc National Pongara, and a site called the "Site Ramsar des Monts Birougou". Descriptions of the new Wetlands of International Importance can be seen here.

Gabon 2. Voici le discours télévisé prononcé par madame le Vice Premier Ministre à l'occasion de la JMZH.

Gambia. The Gambia's Department of Parks and Wildlife Management has seized the occasion of World Wetlands Day to designate the Tanbi Wetland Complex (6,304 hectares, 13°26'N 016°38'W) as its second Wetland of International Importance.

Germany 1. Press release from Euronatur: "Wasservögel weltweit bedroht - 2. Februar ist World Wetlands Day: Euronatur ruft zur Sicherung des Adria-Zugweges auf". Hier.

Germany 2. Press release from WWF Germany: "Den Fischen nicht das Wasser abgraben: WWF macht auf die Bedeutung intakter Süßwassersysteme für die weltweite Versorgung mit Fisch aufmerksam". Hier.

Germany 3. Katharina Menge, Naturschutzreferentin, Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) based in Hamburg, sends the World Wetlands Day press release that her group issued, particularly concerning the problems at the Mühlenberger Loch Ramsar site.

Germany 4. Stefan Hörmann, General Manager of Living Lakes, writes: "Radolfzell, February 1, 2007: “Threatened Lake of the Year 2007“ is the South American Wetland Pantanal, informs the international foundation Global Nature Fund (GNF). Every year, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day, GNF highlights the threatened state of a unique water body to the world. Deforestation, monocultural farming, intensive cattle ranching as well as gold and diamond mining affect the 140.000 sq. km large wetland. The construction of new ethanol distilleries will increase the critical situation which might lead to the ecological devastation of world’s largest wetland by 2050." Here is the informative press release from GNF and the NGO Ecotropic Brazil.

Germany 5. Hans-Christian Zirkenbach of the Umweltamt in Landkreis Stendal writes: "Our WWD poster was used electronically, no hard copy.
We sent it to our local newspapers and it was also published on the homepage of the Landkreis Stendal. Please look at the file in the appendix. The local newspapers published a short message about WWD. WWD-activities: 1) On 3. March took place a walking-tour from the village Bölsdorf into the Wetland of International Importance "Aland-Elbe-Niederung und Elbaue Jerichow", leaded by the Middle Elbe Biopshere Reserve - Main Office. Some WWD-posters were printed for this walking tour and your English stickers were distributed. 2) Also involved was the angler-association of Saxony-Anhalt. The regional water keeper is going to speak about WWD in the association and to write an article about activities to protect the wetlands and waters."

Germany 6: Martin Schneider-Jacoby, Euronatur, sends the link to the Deutschlandradio Web site with the text edition of a radio interview with WWF on World Wetlands Day: http://www.dradio.de/dlf/sendungen/umwelt/589665/.

Greece 1. Sofia Spirou, MedWet Communications Officer, writes: "A 20 day publicity period on WWD launched by the MedWet Secretariat in collaboration with the public transport of Athens came full cycle on 2 February. . . . ‘Working with the public transport system is a significant step in the effort to raise public awareness of wetland values’ says MedWet Secretariat Coordinator, Spyros Kouvelis. ‘The advertisement on Wetlands Day shown on the screens of the electric car fleet is brought to an average of over 60,000 passengers per day. It is an innovative way to sow the seed of awareness to a wider scale public than in past Wetland Day celebrations in Athens’ he adds." More details and photos.

Greece 2. World Wetlands Day is being celebrated in Athens with a photographic and film exhibition at the Mavromixali 55 Art Space, 2-11 February, and a special screening of eight water-related films at the Institut Français d'Athènes. Here's the invitation.

Greece 3. E. Makrigianni writes: "World Wetlands Day was celebrated in Evros Delta on Friday 2nd of February. Approximately 140 schoolchildren participated, from 5 villages and towns that are situated close to the wetland. The activities that they took part in were: Powerpoint projection on "The value of Evros Delta for fisheries"; Participation in a contest with questions on the topic of the day; Handicraft: realisation of a 3D fish; Guided tour on a small "port" in the wetland in order to see traditional fishing techniques and species of fish with commercial value." Photos here.

Guatemala. Licda. Miriam Castillo, Depto. Educación y Fomento, CONAP, está escribiendo: "Mi nombre es Miriam Castillo y trabajo en el Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas -CONAP-. Adjunto le envió un pequeño informe de las actividades realizadas durante el mes de febrero, para celebrar el Día de los Humedales. Muchas gracias y perdón por la tardanza." PDF.

Hungary 1. László Haraszthy, State Secretary for Nature and Environment Protection, notified the Secretariat that "In 2007, the Hungarian Ministry of Environment and Water celebrated World Wetlands Day together with representatives from the Slovak Ministry of Environment. The event was held at the headquarters of the Aggtelek National Park Directorate in Jósvafo, next to the famous subterranean transboundary Ramsar site, Baradla - Domica Cave System." Here is the report, with photographs.

Hungary 2. World Wetlands Day at the General Assembly of the Danube Environmental Forum (DEF), Miskolc, Hungary, 2-4 February 2007. Photo of the human World Wetlands Day poster.

India 1. Jayati Chourey sends pictorial WWD greetings from Kondakarla Ava, the second largest freshwater lake in Andhra Pradesh, here.

India 2. Ms Farida Tampal, State Director, WWF-India, Andhra Pradesh State Office, reports that World Wetlands Day was celebrated by the Andhra Pradesh State Office of WWF in association with Hyderabad Urban Development Authority at Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad on the morning of 2nd February. 230 students from 10 Nature Clubs took part in this event. The day began at sunrise, where students donned the World Wetlands Day t-shirts and caps in the Sanjivaiah Park and proceeded on a nature trail. After the children re-grouped for a painting and essay-writing competition, there was an official WWD function, and then the Chairs of HUDA and WWF exchanged a MOU marking the beginning of WWF's biodiversity study of Hussain Sagar Lake on behalf of HUDA. The report and a photo are here.

India 3. Mr Gopal Krisna Mehra, Chairman, Rajputana Society of Natural History, writes: "The Rajputana Society of Natural History has organized WWD'07 in the "CITY OF LAKES" -- Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, in collaboration with Government Women's Polytechnic College and State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur". Here's the brief report.

India 4. Vivek Sharma, Project Associate, Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, writes: "I am hereby sending World Wetlands Day, 07 report celebrated by NGO ASRA in collaboration with Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh (nodal agency for conservation and management of wetlands in Punjab, India) for the reports section of WWD, 07 Web pages."

India 5. Chanam Bidan, Secretary of MAWETS, writes: "MAWETS (Manipur Wetland Society), India, in association with Loktak Development Authority (LDA) celebrated WWD07. Main activities are rally by college students, quiz competition and drawing competition for school children." Here are some photographs.

India 6. Arulagam Nature Conservation Society organized a wetlands day programmed on Feb 2nd at St. Anthoniar elementary school at Idinthakarai, a tsunami-affected coastal hamlet of Tirunelveli district / Tamilnadu / South India. Further details.

India 7. "Dear friends, For the Wetlands Day we launched a blog on the mangroves of Mumbai. We had toyed with the idea of a website (www.mumbaimangroves.org) but it was very difficult to update and hence a blog was chosen. We are having a pretty tough time saving the mangroves in Mumbai. We hope to disseminate information wider with this blog and empower people to come forward and protect them. (http://mumbaimangroves.wordpress.com/). We had planned for other activities also but everybody has a busy schedule in Mumbai and it is very difficult to coordinate. Request the Wetlands Secretariat to kindly include the blog in their list. Regards, Rishi Aggarwaal, Jt. Secretary, Mangrove Society of India (Mumbai Chapter)."

India 8. R. Ramasubramanian writes: "The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Kakinada field center and Wildlife Management Division, Rajahmundry, jointly celebrated WWD on Friday February 2 2007 in Corangi village near Coringa Wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India. 150 students from Green Corps - Aditya Public School, Jagannaickpur, Kakinada, Zilla Prishad Schools of Corangi and Seetaramapuram participated in an awareness rally which was followed by a meeting and quiz competition to the students. Mr. P. Satyanarayana, Divisional Forest Officer, Dr. R. Ramasubramanian, Scientist, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, and Mr. Suresh, Fisheries Development officer, Tallarevu, spoke on the importance of wetlands. Quiz related to wetlands and fisheries was conducted. Mr. P. Satyanarayana DFO., Wildlife distributed the prices to the winners. Mr. Swarnaraju, Mr. S.S.V. Prasad, N. Veerabhadra Rao of M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation, Mr. Ramakrishna, and Mr. Nanda teachers of Aditya Public school participated in the function. See attachment for more details."

India 9. D. B. Mehta , Executive Director of Gujarat Science City, writes: "Gujarat Science City is taking a bold step by bringing awareness and sensitizing the visitors about our rich biodiversity and appreciation of state’s genetic resources and environment and inspires commitment to preserve its existence. The Science City organizes an illustrative poster exhibition on "Exploring Wetlands of Gujarat", screening of video films and slide shows on the above theme." Here is more detail and a photo of an excellent poster.

India 10. Dr.(Mrs) Rashmi Gangwar, Coordinator CEE Himalaya, Lucknow, writes: "CEE Himalaya, an initiative of the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), observed the World Wetlands Day 2007 in two Indian Himalayan states - Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarankhand." Details of celebrations are provided in the following brief report.

India 11. Chander Parkash writes: "Kheti Virasat, Punjab, India observed WWD at three wetlands of Punjab. Harike, wetland which is one of the first six ramsar sites of India, attracts a large number of migratory waterfowls as far as from Arctic Circle. This year the students of D.A.V. College, Amritsar and members of Art of Living - A spiritual society were taken to the Harike wetland where they observed rich flora and fauna of the wetland particularly migratory birds. Mr. Chander Parkash from Kheti Virasat helped the members of both the institutions in identifying the birds and told them about the history of the Harike wetland." Here's a brief report and some photographs.

India 12. A.K. Pattnaik, Director, Nandankanan Biological Park (http://www.nandankanan.org/) in Orissa (http://www.nandankanan.org/), writes: "Greetings from India. I am pleased to inform you that WWD 2007 was celebrated in a befitting manner at Kanjia lake. Kanjia Lake is an important wetland located within the Nandankanan biological park. The wetland is designated as a wetland of national importance by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India with effect from December 2006. It is being planned to implement a very ambitious CEPA programme at Kanjia Lake. More than 1.5 million visitors visit Nandankanan Biological Park annually thus it provides unique opportunity for the wetland education programme. The CEPA activities was launched with effect from WWD 2007. I am attaching a brief report on the celebration of the WWD 2007, I hope it may be posted in the Ramsar web site.

India 13. Dr Sidharth Kaul, Director, Ministry of Environment & Forests, writes: "The Ministry of Environment & Forests and The Energy & Resources Institute cordially invite you to the celebration of World Wetland Day, 2007 on from 1000 hrs to 1300 hrs at Auditorium, Bhairon Road, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The Chief Guest will be Hon'ble Minister of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The Hon'ble Minister of State, Ministry of Environment and Forests,will preside over the function. Friday, 2nd February 2007, National Science Centre Auditorium."

India 14. Dr. Paresh Pandya writes: "We have arranged a WWD-07 competition for school and university students at Rajkot, Gujarat, India as well Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Our aim is to make student aware about wetlands and its activities, benefits, etc. Therefore, with the help of organization such as Saurashtra University, University of Windsor, Hindu Mandir Windsor, Kotak Institute of Science, Gujarat Vigyan Parishad, Centre for Environment Education, etc. eligibility for competition is student category and general categories." More details and the winning painting here.

India 15. Amrita Chatterjee, Executive (Research and Liason), South Asian Forum for Environment (Indian Chapter), Kolkata, writes: "Please find attached herewith a report on World Wetlands Day 2007 celebration in East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar Site which is currently facing the threat of getting delisted from the Ramsar list. Kindly include this report in your esteemed publication and oblige. Thanking you."

India 17. Dr. Maya Mahajan, Executive Officer, Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre, Mumbai, writes: "I would like to post the information regarding WWD (2nd February 2007) celebration at Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre (SPGMEC ), Mumbai, India in "Activities reported for world Wetland Day" in your website. Please find the information pasted below. I am also attaching few pictures. I would be thankful to you if you could include this information in your website and give us an opportunity to become a part of a global network. SPGMEC is celebrating this event since 1997 and also regularly posting the information to Ramsar Website." Here is the brief illustrated report.

India 18. Jojo T.D, Research Associate, Ashoka Trust, writes: "Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) www.atree.org is a premier conservation organization in India. Currently we are working on a project titled "Strengthening communities and Institutions for Sustainable Management of Vembanad Backwaters, Kerala". In line with the Ramsar vision of People acting for the wise use of wetlands we have come up with some CEPA activities which will be formally launched from June 2007. . . . ATREE organised the wetlands day celebration of 2007 on the banks of Vemband on the 2nd of February. The reports and photos are attached."

India 19. Dr.Sudarsan Panda, Chief Executive, Chilika Development Authority, Bhubaneswar in Orissa, writes: "Greetings from Chilika. I am attaching to this mail the report of celebration of World Wetland Day 2007 in Chilika Lagoon."

India 20. Manoj Balakrishnan, Wildlife Assistant, Wayanad Wildlife Division, Sulthan Bathery (PO), writes: "We are happy to inform you that this year we could successfully commemorate the World Wetlands Day on 2nd of February. We have collected posters from students and general public to exhibit them at our Interpretation Centre & Museum inside the protected area. Simultaneously we could arrange for gatherings at public places to make aware of wetland conservation and sustainable development. Also in connection with this year's World Wetlands Day celebrations on 2nd of February myself could present a talk regarding Wetland Conservation at the All India Radio - Calicut. We attach few photographs of the selected events."

Islamic Republic of Iran. Lei Guangchun, Ramsar Senior Advisor for the Asia/Pacific, attended WWD celebrations in Ramsar, Iran, at the Ramsar Regional Center for Training and Research in Western and Central Asia, as well as a workshop on an institutional strategic plan involving numerous Ramsar Parties from the region. Ms Yasaman Rajabkhah Shalmany, Natural Environment and Biodiversity Section, Department of the Environment, writes: "In Iran each year we celebrate WWD in provinces that Ramsar site is located in. In 2007 we held this ceremony in Hormozgan Province that contains 4 Ramsar sites. Mangrove wetland which called Hara is one of these four sites. The WWD celebration was started by formal opening ceremony that included remarks from Deputy Head of natural environment and biodiversity, General Director of Hormozgan Department of Environment Office, Ramsar Senior Advisor of Asia, Islamic Leader (He was very interested in environment, and Senior Advisor of Asia had a meeting with him after his remarks), and Governor of Hormozgan province. After opening ceremony all participants visited the exhibition that shows local community lifestyle and includes handicrafts, NGOs and local organization activities. Children participated in this exhibition too. Other participants were Experts, University teachers and students, NGOs, local community, and all stakeholders and also western and central Asia delegates that were participating in Ramsar Regional Center meeting that was held after WWS. After lunch all participants visited Mangrove Wetland located in Qeshm Island." Here is her brief report (PDF).

Italy. Patrizia De Angelis, Ministry of the Environment, Territory and Sea, Directorate General for Nature Protection, Head of Division VI "Protection of Terrestrial and Marine Environment from Pollution" in Rome, writes: "In a press release the Minister of the Environment has focused the attention on the changes that wetlands have undergone, both in Italy and in other Mediterranean countries, in the last century. . . . The Minister [also] announced that the procedure for including other Italian wetlands in the Ramsar list has begun." Here is her brief report, including mention of activities elsewhere in the country in cooperation with WWF.

Japan 1. SHINSUKE Mizusaki, Wildlife Division, Nature Conservation Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, has forwarded a brief report on WWD 2007 in Shimane Prefecture (Web site), including a two-month exhibit on Ramsar and wetlands at the Shinjiko Nature Museum, a symposium on restoration of estuaries and coastal lagoon held in Matsue City, and another symposium on the possibility of ecotourism at the Shinji-ko and Nakaumi Ramsar sites. Here it is (PDF).

Japan 2. Kaori Tsujita from the Ministry of the Environment has sent a brief illustrated report in PDF detailing a WWD2007 Seminar in Akkeshi in Hokkaido, an event called the "Eco-tour in Winter" at Kushiro-shitsugen Ramsar site, walking events at Biwa-ko, and a quiz and spiral art painting for children at Nakaumi Ramsar site.

Kenya 1. Wilson Rading Outa writes: "Kindly receive greetings from Nairobi, Kenya. I start by apologizing for the undue delay before submitting our report. Nevertheless, I would highly appreciate if the below information is posted on your website. The Uranga Entity Institute (UEI) is an independent broad based public policy research project operated by the Uranga Development Action Group (UDAG). The UEI carries out its activities through advocacy, training and information dissemination." Here is the UEI's report, with photographs and some related materials.

Kenya 2. John Mumbo writes: "Please find attached the WWD report for the national celebrations that was held in Kenya. The National World Wetlands Day, 2007 event was held at Karanda Primary School at Ahero Town of Nyando District. The event was attended by the Director General, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Dr. Muusya Mwinzi. The guest of honour was Dr. Chris Gachau, representing the Area Resident Director of United Nation Development Programme (UNDP)." Brief illustrated report (PDF).

Kenya 3. Bernard Ogwoka, Kenya Wildlife Service, Coast Conservation Area in Mombasa, sent this PDF report on a number of WWD activities which had the objectives: 1) To enhance the level of awareness amongst school children and other stakeholders on the importance of conserving wetlands. 2. To create awareness and publicity on near shore coastal wetlands and inland marine fisheries. 3. To improve coordination and creating synergies among resource managers, researchers, users, and donors to address issues on coastal and marine resources. 4. And to harness volunteers' efforts and synergies with a view of increasing the level of their participation in conservation of coastal and marine wetlands."

Latvia. A. Avotins writes, "Traditionally, since 2001, WWD is organized by the administration of Teici Nature Reserve as a day of annual reports. All the workers of the administration presented his job results in year 2006 for local authorities and representatives from superior institutions and NGO. As it is in midwinter, the meeting is organized in the information center of Teici NR, in small village Laudona, Madona district." Brief report with photos.

Liberia. Eunice N. Dagbe and Flomo Mulbah, the Government and NGO CEPA Focal Points for Ramsar, have sent an illustrated report on their joint WWD activity that included a visit to the Mesurado Wetlands Ramsar Site. Here it is (PDF).

Libya. Abdulmaula Abdelmajid Hamza, Environment General Authority, Tripoli, writes: "On 3rd of February 2007 The Environment General Authority (Ramsar/MedWet National focal point authority) have organized a full day of activities celebrating the world wetlands day 2007 at Benghazi, the second largest Libyan city and the city containing the most wetlands on the national level. The event was featured with an exceptional public attendance, from EGA, University of Garyounis in Benghazi, University of Omar Al Mokhtar in Al Bayda, University of Al Marj, Libyan scouts, The national committee for voluntary works, youths of the Libyan Red Crescent, Al Zuhur kindergarten, school teachers, fishermen associations of Benghazi, Local police, Local and National TV, Radio and Press." Here's the very well-illustrated report.

Madagascar. "Pour cette année 2007, les Membres du Bureau Permanent du Comité Régional de Développement de Moramanga (et non plus Cellule ), en partenariat avec les Autorités locales ( Le Chef de District de Moramanga et le Maire de la Commune Rurale d'Andasibe ) et l'ONG MITSINJO, ont décidé de célébrer la journée du 02 Février 2007, Journée Mondiale des Zones Humides, au Site RAMSAR de TOROTOROFOTSY." Rapport.

Malaysia. Jocelyn Maluda, Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, Environmental Education Centre, Sabah, writes: "I would like to submit to our report on WWD here in KK Wetland Centre and it was really great seeing you in the WLI symposium in HKWP. See you perhaps in the 2nd symposium? Thanks for your help."

Marshall Islands. Vai Jungblut, Associate Ramsar Officer based at SPREP in Samoa, writes: "1) The RMIEPA (Ramsar NAA) forwarded all the Wetland Day posters and materials to Jaluit High School where they reported that the students Environment Science Club did a major beach clean up activity in the community. The students together with the women members of the church NGOs carried out the clean up. 2) The students participated in a field trip to one of the Mangrove forests to collect seedlings for replanting a swamp area near their school campus. 3) The students along with their science teachers conducted school awareness on the importance of wetlands and as one of the productive ecosystems of the atoll. 4) At the national level, the RMIEPA gave a talk on the their weekly radio program to inform the public of World Wetlands Day and RMI's membership in the Ramsar Convention."

Mauritius 1. Ramsar's Abou Bamba, Senior Advisor for Africa, delivered a talk at WWD celebrations in Mauritius, sponsored by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries, 5-6 February 2007. 2. "The National Workshop on Wetlands was organized in the framework of the World Wetland Day 2007 celebration, which had quite impressive media coverage. It was organized by the National Parks and Conservation Service, the Ramsar Administrative Authority, and brought together about 80 participants among which government officials (including the Minister in charge of wetlands), scientists, NGOs, students, etc."

Mauritius 2. Kheswar Beeharry Panray, CEO- EPCO, writes: "I am sending you a report of the activities that our NGO has organised in the context of World Wetlands Day 2007 celebrations. Please, refer to attachments for report and photos. If ever you need the photos seperately, I can gladly mail them to you again. Being a member of the National Ramsar Committee, I am aware that a seminar was also organised on the 5th and 6th of February at the University Of Mauritius, where I met your colleague, Mr. Abou Bamba. Report of the seminar will be forwarded to you by the government focal point. Thank you." Report of WWD activities, report of Apple Snail Hand Picking Activity on WWD.

Mexico 1 . Efrain Ruiz Arechiga, Vice-presidente Salvemos el Lago A.C., está escribiendo: "Este dia 2 de Febrero se celebro el Dia Mundial de los Humedales en Villa Corona Jalisco a las orillas de el Lago de Atotoniclo conocido como Villa Corona tambien. Se dieron conferencias por diferentes especialistas (se adjunta el programa) y el evento tuvo muy buena difusion en prensa radio y television (se adjuntan articulos en los diarios de mayor circulacion). El evento estuvo organizado por Salvemos el Lago A.C. y la Asociacion de Proteccion de Humedales de el Gobierno de Jalisco." Fotos.

Mexico 2. Manuel De Jesùs Hernàndez Ancheita está escribiendo: "Se llevo a cabo el evento en centros de estudio de Palenque y Catazaja en el estado de Chiapas, en los humedales que forman el rio usumacinta les anexo aluna parte de lo que se esta realizando en estos humedales y la presentacion sintetizada." Aquí.

Mexico 3. Arturo Peña, Conanp/México, está escribiendo: "Estimados miembros Ramsar, reciban cordiales saludos. Me permito anexarles un texto Word donde se explica la celebración del WWD 2007 en México. Con la intención de que sea publicado en la sección de News de la página de Ramsar. Destaco su atención, sobre la designación de 2 nuevos sitios, dando un total de 67 sitios en México. . . .. La info sobre los dos sitios designados está en el documento Word. Con atentos saludos, Arturo Peña." Aquí.

Mexico 4. Paloma Alejandra Valdivia Jiménez, Coordinadora de Educación, Centro Intercultural de Estudios de Desiertos y Océanos, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, está escribiendo: "Lo que el CEDO planea realizar este próximo día de los humedales es la inauguración de un restaurant que se encuentra ubicado en un humedal local (Estero Morúa), en el cual se invitará a las autoridades locales y otros miembros de la comunidad (incluyendo clubs ecológicos y escuelas). Este restaurant lo construyo la cooperativa ostrícola "Única de Mujeres" con ayuda financiera del CEDO." Más.

Mexico 5. Lina Nah Rosas, RB Los Petenes, Campeche, está escribiendo: "Por este medio, les envio el informe de actividades realizadas en la conmemoracion del 2 de febrero "dia internacional de los humedales" de la Reserva de la Biosfera Los Petenes (Sitio Ramsar No. 1354) de la Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas, Mexico. Las actividades fueron muy sencillas, pero importantes ya que nos permiten invitar a participar a niños de todas las edades en los serios problemas ambientales que tiene nuestro planeta. De esta manera, agradecemos los materiales enviados por la Convencion Ramsar, ya que fueron de mucha utilidad para desarrollar nuestras actividades. Hasta pronto y reciban un cordial saludos, desde Campeche, Mexico." PDF

Mexico 6. Juana Delgado Quintana, Responsable, Educacion y Cultura Ambiental, Ocean. Rafael Garcia de Quevedo Machain, está escribiendo: "Somos del Municipio de Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico y queremos compartir con ustedes que estamos organizando una Limpieza de Manglares, con la participacion ciudadana; y un Foro "Turismo y Humedales", con expertos de la region sobre estos temas de los humadales. Como ustedes talvez saben, Puerto Vallarta, es un sitio turístico, por eso damos enfásis al turismo. Pero lo idea principal, es poner en tema los Humedales de Puerto Vallarta, y sobre todo, protegerlos y conservarlos, que ya nos quedan muy pocos. Nos interesa saber, si ustedes manejan un directorio de eventos, que se esten dando en el mundo, o en Mexico, Para poder incluir nuestras actividades, y ademas conocer los otros esfuerzos que se estan realizando."

Mexico 7. Aline Gameros Durán, Enlace de Sistemas, SEMARNAT, Nayarit, está escribiendo "Por instrucciones del Ing. Armando Zepeda Carrillo, Delegado Federal de SEMARNAT en el Estado de Nayarit, adjunto envío el informe de la conmemoración del Día Mundial de los Humedales 2007, llevada a cabo en el marco del Tercer Festival de las Aves Migratorias 2007 en el Puerto de San Blas el 2 de febrero y en las instalaciones de la Universidad Tecnológica de la Costa de Santiago Ixcuintla el día 12 del mismo mes. Se anexa un documento de texto con los detalles de dichos eventos y fotografías en formato de imagen."

Moldova. Ilya Trombitsky, Executive Director, Eco-TIRAS International Environmental Association of River Keepers (www.eco-tiras.org) in Chisinau, Moldova, writes: "on February 2 Eco-TIRAS, Biotica, together with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, organized a roundtable dedicated to WWD, inviting mass media. The current status of wetlands role, conservation and restoration was discussed as well as consequences of destruction of 80% of wetlands during last 50 years including for fishery in natural waters where catches dropped in more than 12 times. The most precious species of Sturionidae are lost. The roundtable discussion was widely reflected by TV and radio."

Montenegro. Marija Vugdelic (on behalf of Director, Mr. Zoran Mrdak), National park Skadar Lake, writes: "It is our pleasure to inform you that this year, National Park Skadar Lake, Montenegro, has for the first time organised an event to mark the WWD, and in such a way joined the global action for wetland conservation. On this date, we have organised a workshop with children on wetland values and sustainable fisheries, as well as a series of presentations on wetlands in general, and ornithofauna of Skadar Lake. We are sending you a more detailed report on this event, as well as the PDF of the brochure (in Montenegrin language) that we prepared and published on this occasion. We also include a brief summary of this year’s International Winter Census of birds on Skadar Lake, which gave good results in terms of the waterfowl numbers and diversity."

Morocco 1. Mme Hayat Mesbah, Chargée du suivi de la mise en oeuvre de la Convention au Maroc, écrit : "Le Haut Commissariat aux Eaux et Forêts et à la Lutte Contre la Désertification a organisé une journée d'information et de sensibilisation à l'occasion de la journée mondiale des zones humides 2007 en collaboration avec l'Institut Scientifique de Rabat, le projet de coopération technique Maroco-Allemande et le WWF MedPo.
Vous trouverz, ci-joint, le compte rendu de la journée."

Morocco 2. Tejjeni Yahya, professeur, écrit: "Le C.L.E ou club laymoune pour l'environnement, est un club écolo. crée en 2003 par les élèves du lycée laymoune à BERKANE. ville du royaume du MAROC. . . . Chaque année le C.L.E célèbre la journée mondiale des zones humides en réalisant des activités de sensibilisation, au sein du lycée et au SIBE de l'emb. de la moulouya." Son rapport.

Morocco 3. Prof. Rachid Tellal écrit: "La Faculté des sciences de l'Université Chouaib Doukkali à la ville d'El Jadida au Maroc, célèbre avec la collaboration de l'Institut scientifique de Rabat, le GREPOM et le Haut Commissariat des eaux et forêts, la journée des zones humides 2007 par l'organisation des 4èmes journées internationales des zones humides au Maroc le 16 et 17 février 2007."

Morocco 3. M.Nasser-eddine Zine and M. Chillasse Lahcen sent a brief illustrated report in French about WWD activities at the Lagune de Moulay Bousselham, the Merja Zerga Ramsar site.

Myanmar. Soe Nyunt, Chairman, MBNS (Myanmar Bird and Nature Society), writes: "World Wetlands Day (Myanmar) 2007 is successfully celebrated on your guide line, led by our birding society (MBNS-Myanmar Bird and Nature Society). It was held on the exact Wetlands Day (2nd February 2007) in Yangon City at our society hall, which was displayed with all your (Ramsar) posters, stickers, wall sheets and leaflets for this recent year and back years also, and together with other conservation illustrations from international groups, but all are under your headline title (slogan) "Fish for Tomorrow"." Here is a brief illustrated report (PDF). And Thein Myint, Vice Chairman of the Society, sends this Ramsar poster in the local language.

Nepal 1. "WWF Nepal is supporting the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), which is the focal body for Ramsar Convention, together with several other organizations for the celebration of the event through various awareness raising activities in Nepal." Press release and poster here.

Nepal 2. Gandhiv Kafle of Wetland Friends of Nepal writes: "On the auspicious occasion of World Wetlands Day 2007 (Feb. 2), Wetland Friends of Nepal (WFN) organized a WWD celebration program among 40 participants including school students (from 3 schools), teachers and representatives of different organizations. The program was targeted to raise awareness on wetlands and biodiversity conservation among school students and teachers while celebrating WWD." Here is the brief report with photographs, as well as a WWD leaflet in English and Nepali (PDF).

Nepal 3. Reprint of an article by Deependra Joshi, IUCN Nepal, in The Kathmandu Post, 2 February 2007.

Nepal 4. "On the occasion of World Wetlands Day February 2, 2007, Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN) along with other government and non-governmental partners like Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), IUCN Nepal, WWF Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), ICIMOD, WCN organised an Inaugural Ceremony followed by workshop on "Fish for Tomorrow" at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhirkutimandap, Kathmandu." Here is a brief report.

Nepal 5. The Friends of the Bagmati write: "The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), Nepal is leading a consortium for WWD 2007. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal, The World Conservation Union (IUCN Nepal), International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) are sponsoring the programs planned for this year’s celebration. Friends of the Bagmati (FoB) has developed an activity plan in consultations with the consortium members and facilitate the workshop scheduled for February 2, 2007. The "Workshop on Fish for Tomorrow?" will compile findings of issues and actions to be taken as a concrete step towards raising awareness as well as providing an opportunity for stakeholders at local and visitor levels to be active partners in wetlands management and development." Here is the rest of the press release.

Nepal 6. Nirmal Chaudhary, Environmental Science, M. Sc., Khwopa College, Bhaktapur, "We the students of Environmental Science of Masters level at Khwopa College in Bhaktapur organized One Day Seminar on Wetlands on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2007, on 1st of February, 2007. Our themes were Wetland and Fisheries; Wetland and livelihood; Wetland and Policy; Wetland and Conservation. On the behalf of the Seminar Organizing Committee, I thank the bureau for sending us the package material for the Wetland Day 2007 celeberation. Our program was successful and the report of the program is been attached here."

Nepal 7. Achyut Dahal, Coordinator, Nepal River Conservation Trust, Thamel, Kathmandu, writes: "Nepal River Conservation Trust (NRCT) organized a national workshop on 2nd February on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2007. The main theme of the workshop was "Conserving Nepalese Wetlands: Sharing experiences and building partnership". The program was conducted in association with different organizations like Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, Sustainable Tourism Network, National Trust for Nature Conservation, Environmentalists Association of Nepal. The full report is attached (PDF)."

Netherlands. The Socio-economics of wetlands valuation - New publication in Spanish from Wetlands International. Wetlands International wishes to join the celebration of WWD by launching its recently published booklet on The Socio-economics of Wetlands Valuation in Latin America and the Caribbean. This publication explains in a simple way the fundamentals of the socioeconomic valuation of wetlands and its role in decision making processes highlighted by five case studies from the region (Peru, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina and Guatemala). For more information and to download the publication please visit http://www.wetlands.org/publications.aspx. You can also contact Wetlands International for a hard copy of this publication. Wetlands International thanks the Netherlands Committee of the IUCN for its financial support to this publication.

New Zealand 1. Helen Bain, Communications Officer, writes: "The Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society was out in force on World Wetlands Day letting people in New Zealand's capital city Wellington know how wonderful wetlands are. Forest & Bird, along with other conservation organisations, put on displays and gave visitors information about how they can help look after our wetlands. Given that 90% of New Zealand's wetlands have been destroyed, the protection of those remaining is particularly important. The setting for the day was Waitangi Park on Wellington's harbour waterfront, where an