World Wetlands 2020 - WWD2020

World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on February 2, denoting the date of the selection of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971. Set up to bring issues to light about the estimation of wetlands for humankind and the planet. The theme for 2020 WWD is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”. Over 40% of the world’s plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands and Wetlands provide ecosystem services worth USD $47 trillion annually, more than those from forests, deserts or grasslands. Besides, Wetlands provide livelihoods for one billion people and help feed the world. However, Wetlands are vanishing three times faster than forests and 35% have disappeared since the 1970s. 87% have been lost since the 1700s through activities such as Drainage and infilling for agriculture and construction among others. Between 1970 and 2014, populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles declined by 60%. 25% of wetland species are threatened with extinction, including water birds, freshwater-dependent mammals, marine turtles, and coral-reef- building species MAIN OBJECTIVE The main objective of the event is to raise public awareness on organically differing biological systems that give living space to numerous species, fill in as cradles on the drift against tempests and flooding, and normally channel dilute by breaking or changing harmful toxins. The day will be graced with a series of activities that include; youth voice dialogue, spot messages on DSTV, WWD song composition among others.