World Wetlands Day 2024
World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2nd February to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands.
“Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2024 is "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing" The theme aims to shine a spotlight on how interconnected wetlands and human life are — with people drawing sustenance, inspiration and resilience from these productive ecosystems. Importantly, the theme for 2024 underscores how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands. It calls on each of us to value and steward our wetlands. Every wetland matters. Every effort counts.
The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee was set up by the Government to assist Ireland in meeting its requirements as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
Featured Events
Here are some of the events taking place throughout Ireland for World Wetlands Day. Events featured include those organised by Biodiversity Officers and Heritage Officers employed by Local Authorities in conjunction with The Heritage Council.
View details on these events and more on The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee World Wetlands Day Events Page
Launch of "A Guide to Habitats"- Second Edition followed by A Walk and Talk at Lough Boora
The Heritage Council is launching the 2nd edition of ‘A Guide to the Habitats of Ireland’, at Lough Boora Discovery Park, Offaly at 10:00am on the 2nd of February to coincide with World Wetlands Day. Following the launch there will be a walk ‘n talk down to the bird hides. All are welcome to attend.
“Creativity for the Wetlands: Art connecting people and wetlands”
The Community Wetlands Forum are launching their new webinar series “Creativity for the Wetlands: Art connecting people and wetlands” on 1 February at 7:30pm, the eve of World Wetlands Day.
This webinar series will hear from a different artist every fortnight, at 7:30pm on Thursday evenings.
See their events calendar for details.
World Wetlands Day – Lough Ennell (Westmeath)
3rd February at 11:00-1:00pm
A Walk and Talk led by two local experts – George Smith (Botanist) and Gordon Wycherley (Birdwatch Westmeath). Lough Ennell is an important site for nature conservation in Westmeath and is designated a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Protection Area, and a Ramsar Site.
Walk and Talk around The Lough in Cork City for World Wetlands Day
2nd February at 2:00pm
Join Cork City Council's Biodiversity Officers for a walk and talk around the Lough and learn about the wildlife that call the Lough home.
Monaghan Photography Competition
To celebrate World Wetlands Day, Monaghan County Council is having a Photography Competition! Prizes for kids, teens and adults. The closing date is Wednesday January 31st.
Connemara Blue Dots launch
Galway County Council and LAWPRO are launching bi-lingual booklets on the Blue Dots of Connemara with the Cathaoirleach Liam Carroll on the 2nd Feb.
Online Webinar to celebrate World Wetlands Day (Clare)
Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer will be partnering with Wetland Surveys Ireland and the Community Wetlands Forum for a 1-hour online webinar to celebrate World Wetlands Day.
The online webinar will be held on Thursday, 1st of February 2024 from 7:30-8:30 pm.
Tramore Wetland Birds Walk
2nd February at 12:00 noon. Local expert, Denis Cullen of the Irish Wildlife Trust and Tramore Eco Group will lead a birdwatching talk of this exceptional coastal wetland.
This event is free to attend and is supported by Waterford City and County Council.
World Wetlands Day at Slane Castle (Meath)
Presentation on “The Boyne’s Lost Floodplain Woodlands”
Ireland’s wetland habitats range from the very small (like a freshwater spring) to habitats that dominate the Irish landscape such as lakes, rivers and bogs. They are home to a large diversity of plant and animal species and form an important network of ecological sites for many species on migration.