Socotra Celebration on the Occasion of World Wetlands Day 2 Feb 2023

The Socotra Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the only Ramsar Wetland of Yemen. On 2-3 February 2023 Socotra celebrates World Wetlands Day to increase local awareness and to highlight conservation initiatives of the Socotran wetlands, harboring rich (including endangered and unique) biodiversity. The event, in Arabic and Socotri languages, takes place in the capital Hadiboh and Sirihin Lagoon, including presentations by indigenous researchers, a workshop, cleaning of Sirihin and inauguration of a sign. The event is aimed at indigenous communities of Socotra, local conservationists, NGOs (SSCEF) and local governmental stakeholders, focusing on challenges and solutions. Organised by Ramsar Representative for Yemen Mr Ahmed Saeed Suleiman and SSCEF Chairman Mr Salem Hamdiah, under the auspices of the Governor of the Socotra Governorate and EPA (Socotra Branch). The event is partly supported by a grant for increasing awareness for the freshwater ecosystems in Socotra of IUCN FFC (Freshwater Conservation Committee; IUCN SSC), and the event is also supported by the charity Friends of Socotra (FoS).