Today, on February 2, 2021, we celebrate World Wetlands Day. The celebration of this day is associated with the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (adopted on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, Iran), which is the first of the modern global international treaties for the conservation and sustainable use of the natural resources and is still the only a contract that targets specific ecosystems.
Since then, for 50 years, the Convention has expanded its scope to cover all aspects of wetland conservation and wise use, recognizing them as vital ecosystems for biodiversity conservation, water management and the well-being of human communities.
Bulgaria is among the first countries to accede to the Convention. In the list of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites), Bulgaria is represented by 11 wetlands, with a total area of 49,912.43 ha, representing 0.45% of the country’s territory: “Atanasovsko Lake”, “Belenski Ostrovi Complex”, “Durankulak Lake”, “Ibisha Island”, “Shabla Lake”, “Poda Area”, “Pomorie Lake”, “Ropotamo Complex”, “Srebarna Lake”, “Vaya Lake” and “Dragoman Swamp Karst Complex”.
The theme of 2021 “Wetlands and water” aims to focus the public attention on water, its crucial importance for life, both for the humans and for plants, animals and birds. It also emphasizes the wetlands as a source of fresh water and encourages action to restore them and stop their loss.
The Via Pontica Foundation joins the positive and proactive attitude towards the importance of wetlands, celebrating today with attention to the topic.