17 Jan 2025

WHEREAS, the inter-governmental Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, known as the Ramsar Convention, was adopted in the Iranian City of Ramsar on the 2nd day of February 1971 on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

Designed by the United Nations to be observed as World Wetlands Day on February 2nd each year, it has been celebrated by all member countries worldwide since 1997;

WHEREAS, the purpose for observing World Wetlands Day is to focus worldwide and national attention on the importance of wetlands for livelihoods derived from fishing, rice and vegetable farming, travel, tourism, groundwater protection and water provision. Additionally, wetlands are vital to us in many other ways. They host a huge variety of life, protect our coastlines, provide natural sponges against flooding and store carbon dioxide to regulate climate change;

WHEREAS, the celebration of this day, February 2nd, is to raise public awareness on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for future generations;

WHEREAS, the Republic of Liberia is a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and,

WHEREAS, Liberia will celebrate World Wetlands Day 2025 in Marshall, specifically Marshall City, Margibi County, Republic of Liberia, under the theme: "Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future" on February 3rd since February 2nd is on Sunday a non-working day.

NOW, THEREFORE, 1, JOSEPH NYUMA, BOAKAI, SR., President of the Republic of Liberia, by virtue of the authority in me vested, do hereby declare and proclaim Monday, February 3, 2025, as "World Wetlands Day" to be observed throughout the Republic as a Working Holiday; and do encourage all citizens and foreign residents to take concrete actions toward the sustainable management and wise use of all wetlands and water bodies.

FURTHERMORE, I call upon all people residing in the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia to join the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in executing appropriate programs to make the day meaningful.