World Wetlands Day

Today, on February 2nd, we celebrate World Wetlands Day, marking the occasion of the international meeting held in the Iranian town of Ramsar on February 2, 1971, where the Ramsar Convention was formulated and adopted. The convention focuses on the conservation of internationally significant wetlands, with particular attention to the protection of habitats for waterfowl.

According to the convention, wetlands are defined as a wide range of ecosystems. This includes all areas covered with permanent or temporary, salt or freshwater that provide habitats for native or endangered species. The convention's scope also extends to artificial wetlands, such as fishponds.

Countries that have joined the convention are obliged to designate these areas as protected, and to implement land use and management strategies that ensure the long-term sustainability of these ecosystems.

Hungary joined the Ramsar Convention in 1979. Currently, there are 29 sites listed in the country. These areas are not only significant for the domestic flora and fauna, but they also serve as crucial resting and feeding sites for migratory birds. (National Geographic Hungary)