World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February to raise awareness about the important role of wetlands around the world. This year, the Convention on Wetlands is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
- In November, 1996, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, in partnership with the World Wetlands Secretariat (known as the Ramsar Secretariat), decided to declare 2 February as World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the important role of wetlands around the world.
- The first World Wetlands Day was celebrated worldwide on 2 February, 1997. This date was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971.
- On 2 February 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (officially the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat) was established in the city of Ramsar, Iran.
United Nations General Assembly declaration
- On 30 August 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/75/317 which officially declared 2 February as World Wetlands Day.
- World Wetlands Day 2026, under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”, explores the deep connections between wetlands and the cultural practices, traditions and knowledge systems of communities around the world.
- Currently, there are more than 2,500 wetlands of international importance worldwide. They cover an area of more than 2.5 million square kilometres, which is larger than Mexico. There is a treaty that works to reverse the loss and degradation of wetlands worldwide. Learn about these fascinating places that need to be protected.
- Wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests and are the most threatened ecosystem on Earth. In just 50 years – since 1970 – 35% of the world’s wetlands have been lost.
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2026 celebrated on 30 January
- The World Health Organization (WHO)’s World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) is observed every year on 30 January worldwide to raise awareness about the severe impact of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) on poor and marginalized populations.
- On 30 January, 2026, the 7th observance of WNTDD will take place. Theme of 2026: “Unite. Act. Eliminate”
- Emphasizing the collective action required to eliminate neglected tropical diseases worldwide.
- The declaration of WNTDD was first made by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court at the Reaching the Last Mile Forum held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2019.
- First observance: The first observance of WNTDD took place on 30 January, 2020.
- On 31 May 2021, the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA), with the support of the UAE, Oman, Brazil and other Member States, officially designated 30 January as WNTDD through decision WHA74(18).
- WNTDD marked the launch of the first NTD Roadmap (2012–2020) with the London Declaration on NTDs, which laid the foundation for global action, later strengthened by WHO with the launch of the NTD Roadmap (2021–2030) in January 2021 and the Kigali Declaration 2022.
50th Raising Day of the Indian Coast Guard
- The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a major independent armed force and maritime law enforcement agency of India under the Ministry of Defence, functioning since 18 August, 1978 (formal). It is the world’s fourth largest coast guard, and celebrates its Raising Day on 1 February for maritime security, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and protection of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
- The ICG celebrated its 50th Raising Day on 1 February, 2026 with an event in New Delhi, marking five decades of dedicated and selfless service to the nation.
- Established on 1 February, 1977 with just seven surface platforms, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has today become a “formidable maritime force” with 155 ships and 80 aircraft.
- In a statement, the ICG said that the force, headquartered in Delhi, monitors India’s 2.01 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone and a coastline of 11,098.01 km.
- The concept of forming the ICG emerged after the 1971 war.
- The Rustamji Committee prepared a visionary blueprint for a multi-dimensional coast guard.
- For effective command and control, India’s maritime areas have been divided into five Coast Guard Regions, including North-West, West, East, North-East and Andaman & Nicobar, with their headquarters located at Gandhinagar, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Port Blair respectively.
