LocationsCelebrating World Wetlands Day 2025: A Call to Action for Sustainable Conservation
February 2, 2025
Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, UNDP Resident Representative, receives a certificate of recognition from the State Minister of Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, for UNDP’s efforts in wetland restoration
On February 2, 2025, Uganda commemorated World Wetlands Day with a national event at Katerera Playground in Rubirizi District. The event brought together national and district leaders, including the Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was representing His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Minister of State for Environment Hon. Beatrice Anywar, and UNDP Uganda’s Resident Representative Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor. This year's theme, "Conserving Wetlands Today for a Secure Tomorrow," reinforced a united call to action to protect these vital ecosystems.
The celebration was vibrant, featuring children from local schools and community members performing songs on wetland conservation. Traditional music, dance, and a fun fair added to the lively atmosphere, creating an engaging space for learning and community participation. Their involvement highlighted the role of education and community story telling in fostering environmental stewardship.
As emphasized in President Museveni’s speech, “wetlands are invaluable in regulating water flow, supporting biodiversity, and acting as natural buffers against climate change impacts.” However, Uganda's wetlands are under increasing threat from urbanization, agricultural encroachment, and pollution, leading to significant degradation. The decline of these ecosystems underscores the urgency for collective action.
President Museveni also highlighted the Government’s commitment to wetland restoration, stating, “Government has recently approved a 10-year Environment and Natural Resources Restoration Action Plan, which builds on the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. It is envisaged that this plan will strengthen the already existing efforts in wetland restoration.”
Students reciting a poem on environmental conservation during World Wetlands Day celebrations
In her address, Ms. Vwede-Obahor reaffirmed UNDP’s dedication to wetland restoration through community-driven initiatives. She highlighted three key areas of UNDP’s commitment:
- Restoration Initiatives: In partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Austrian Development Agency (ADA), and local governments, UNDP is working to restore over 46,000 hectares of wetlands. These efforts empower communities and enhance the livelihoods of more than 150,000 households by promoting sustainable land-use practices.
- Capacity Building: UNDP strengthens the ability of local communities and institutions to manage and protect wetlands effectively through training, technical support, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Policy Advocacy: UNDP actively supports policy frameworks that promote wetland conservation, ensuring long-term ecosystem preservation at national and global levels.
Through its partnership with the Austrian Development Agency, UNDP is also implementing projects that integrate sustainable land management practices with wetland conservation. These initiatives provide alternative livelihoods, reducing dependence on wetlands while ensuring their protection.
Komiriai wetland system in Bukedea district restored under the GCF project
The speeches delivered at the event underscored the shared responsibility of safeguarding wetlands. As President Museveni articulated, healthy wetlands are not just crucial for biodiversity but also for securing clean water and enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Hon. Beatrice Anywar emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating, "The conservation of wetlands cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires the active participation of local communities, civil society, and the private sector. We must all take responsibility to protect these ecosystems for a sustainable future."
Ms. Vwede-Obahor echoed this sentiment, calling on governments, the private sector, civil society, and all Ugandans to actively promote awareness of wetlands’ ecological importance. Cultivating a culture of conservation is essential to inspiring future generations to prioritize the protection of these irreplaceable ecosystems.
In conclusion, World Wetlands Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it is a call to action that directly impacts families and entire communities who rely on wetlands for clean water, climate regulation, and disaster resilience. As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, restoring and conserving these ecosystems is not just about protecting nature—it’s about ensuring that wetlands continue to purify water, mitigate floods, and sustain biodiversity.
At UNDP, we remain steadfast in our commitment to collaborating with the Government of Uganda and all stakeholders dedicated to wetland conservation. Together, we can ensure that we are not only preserving our past but also securing a sustainable future for generations to come.