Sunday, February 2, is celebrated as the International Wetlands Day. In 2003, the message of this day is "No wetlands - no water". The reason for celebrating the Wetlands Day on the 2nd of February is the fact that on this date, in 1971, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitats - in other words, the Ramsar Convention - was adopted. The objective of the convention is securing of international cooperation for the preservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 135 states have acceeded to the Ramsar Convention; Estonia joined it in 1993. According to mr. Hanno Zingel, Head of Nature Protection Department of the Ministry of the Environment, there are currently 12 wetlands of international importance in Estonia that are included in the list of so-called Ramsar areas. These are the Soomaa and Vilsandi National Parks; the Matsalu, Alam-Pedja, Endla, Muraka, Nigula, Nehatu, and Laidevahe Nature Reserves; the Hiiumaa Islets’ Landscape Reserve together with the Käina Bay; and the protected areas of Emajõe Suursoo and Virtsu-Laelatu-Puhtu.. The number of valuable wetlands in Estonia that meet the Ramsar Convention criteria is considerably larger than the number of those currently designated as Ramsar areas, therefore another 13 areas are waiting to be proposed for inclusion in the Ramsar list of wetlands. These include the Puhatu - Agusalu mire complex, the Haapsalu Tagalaht together with the Noarootsi relict lakes, the Väike Väin strait, the Häädemeeste coastal meadows, etc. A number of events will be organized to mark this day in Estonia: · On January 31, the situation of protection and reasonable use of wetlands in Estonia will be discussed in the Endla Nature Reserve. Mr. Tiit Leito will introduce his new photo album "The Endla mires" and show slides. · On February 3, the Wetlands Day will be celebrated in the Matsalu Nature Reserve. Events will include introduction of the Ramsar Convention, of the Kasari Catchment area Water Management Plan, and the project for reconstruction of the Kasari River delta. In addition to those, an exhibition of nature photos "The Eagle knows" by mr. Guido Kangur will be opened. · On February 3, at 6 p.m., the Ramsar Evening will be held in the National Library (Tallinn). Photographic visits will be made to the Endla Nature Reserve and the Muraka bog; the Ramsar Day and the Estonian wetlands will be introduced. Throughout the world, a total of 1235 wetlands have been included to date in the list of wetlands of international importance with a total area of 106.6 million hectares. For additional information please contact: |
