Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2.

The event "Unique Javakheti - Wetlands and Human Well-being" was held in connection with World Wetlands Day, at the initiative of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and the Scientific Research Center for Species Conservation "Nakresi" as part of the ongoing project " Restoring the Javakheti Wetlands for People and Birds" - funded by the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Program (ELSP).
  The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. Yuri Nozadze, made opening remarks at the event, noting that marking this day contributes to increasing awareness in society about the importance of wetlands.

"Georgia joins the rest of the world in celebrating the Day of Wetlands. Wetlands play an important role in ecosystem conservation and the well-being of local communities. Georgia is rich in wetlands. We have recognized four wetlands of international importance. To protect and preserve the wealth of our country, it is crucial to involve the public, to raise their awareness, as served by the mentioned event," Mr. Yuri Nozadze stated.


The event included presentations on the following topics: ''The Ramsar Convention - The Importance of Wetlands for Human Well-being''; ''Restoring the Javakheti Wetlands for People and Birds''; ''Protected Areas of Javakheti''; ''Ecotourism and Local Population''; ''Javakheti Plateau: Wetlands of Global Importance''.

Every year, on February 2, the World Wetlands Day is celebrated. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Particularly Suitable for Waterfowl Habitat, has set "Wetlands and Human Well-being" as the theme for 2024.

As mentioned, Georgia has recognized four wetlands of international importance: Kolkheti, Kobuleti, Bugdasheni, and Madatafa -the so-called "Ramsar Sites". Celebrating World Wetlands Day helps raise public awareness about the importance of wetlands. Even today, all across the globe, water bodies are actively being polluted, dried up, and reduced by unsustainable agricultural production/practices.

The representatives of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Protected Areas Agency, Georgian Ecotourism Association, Ilia State University, scientific circles, and the non-governmental sector attended the event dedicated to the World Day of Wetlands.