包羅萬有 Season 3｜世界濕地日｜認識2月2日世界濕地日的由來與保育意義 World Wetlands Day | Understanding February 2 and the Importance of Wetlands
每年2月2日是世界濕地日，旨在提高全球對濕地生態系統的重要認識，推動濕地保育、永續利用及生物多樣性保護，共同守護珍貴的自然環境。
Observed every year on February 2, World Wetlands Day highlights the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, protecting water resources, and promoting sustainable development around the globe.
中文
世界濕地日（World Wetlands Day）定於每年2月2日，是全球推動濕地保育的重要國際紀念日。這一天源於《濕地公約》（Convention on Wetlands），又稱《拉姆薩公約》（Ramsar Convention），於1971年2月2日在伊朗拉姆薩爾（Ramsar）正式簽署，因此每年均以2月2日作為紀念日。世界濕地日最初由《濕地公約》締約方推動，自1997年開始正式舉辦全球宣傳活動，目的在於提升公眾對濕地價值的認識，鼓勵各國保護及合理利用濕地資源。濕地泛指長期或季節性積水的土地，包括沼澤、河口、湖泊、紅樹林、泥灘、河流、三角洲、珊瑚礁附近潮間帶及人工濕地等。雖然濕地只佔全球陸地面積的一小部分，卻是地球最具生產力的生態系統之一。大量魚類、兩棲類、昆蟲、水鳥及植物依賴濕地生存，許多候鳥更會在遷徙途中把濕地作為覓食及休息的重要場所，因此濕地對維持全球生物多樣性具有不可取代的作用。除了提供棲息環境，濕地亦有「地球之腎」的美譽，因為它具有天然過濾功能，可以淨化水質、吸收污染物、減少泥沙流失及改善河流生態。同時，濕地能吸收及儲存大量雨水，在暴雨及洪水期間發揮天然蓄洪作用，降低水災風險。沿海紅樹林及鹽沼亦能減弱風暴潮及海浪衝擊，保護沿岸社區免受侵蝕。此外，泥炭地及其他濕地更是重要的碳匯，能吸收及儲存大量二氧化碳，有助減緩全球氣候變化。然而，隨著城市發展、農業開墾、工業污染及氣候變化影響，全球濕地正持續減少。研究顯示，自十八世紀以來，世界已失去大量天然濕地，不但影響野生動植物生存，也削弱了人類應對洪水、乾旱及氣候變化的能力。因此，各國近年積極推動濕地復育、建立自然保護區及改善水資源管理，希望恢復濕地生態功能。每年世界濕地日期間，政府部門、自然保育團體、學校及研究機構都會舉辦導賞、生態考察、講座、植樹活動及環境教育計劃，鼓勵市民親近自然，了解濕地的重要性。香港亦擁有多個珍貴濕地生態區，例如米埔內后海灣濕地，長期吸引大量候鳥，是東亞—澳大利西亞候鳥遷飛路線的重要停歇地。世界濕地日提醒人們，濕地不只是野生動物的家園，更與人類食水安全、防洪能力、生態平衡及氣候穩定息息相關。只有透過保育、教育及永續管理，才能讓濕地資源持續造福未來世代。
English Version
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on February 2 to raise awareness of the essential role wetlands play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human well-being. The date commemorates the signing of the Convention on Wetlands, commonly known as the Ramsar Convention, which was adopted on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. Since 1997, World Wetlands Day has been observed internationally to encourage governments, communities, educators, and conservation organizations to protect and wisely manage wetlands around the world. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, peatlands, rivers, lakes, estuaries, mangrove forests, floodplains, coastal lagoons, tidal flats, and even certain human-made wetlands. Although they occupy only a small percentage of the Earth’s surface, wetlands are among the planet’s most productive ecosystems. They provide habitat for countless species of birds, fish, amphibians, insects, mammals, and plants while serving as critical resting and feeding sites for migratory birds traveling across continents. Wetlands also deliver valuable ecosystem services that directly benefit people. They naturally filter pollutants, improve water quality, recharge groundwater supplies, reduce soil erosion, and regulate water flow. During heavy rainfall, wetlands absorb excess water, reducing flood risks and protecting nearby communities. Coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests and salt marshes help buffer shorelines against storm surges and erosion. Many wetlands, especially peatlands, also store enormous amounts of carbon, making them important allies in efforts to combat climate change. Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate because of urban expansion, agricultural development, pollution, infrastructure projects, and changing climate conditions. The loss of wetlands threatens biodiversity, weakens natural disaster resilience, and reduces freshwater availability. Recognizing these challenges, countries around the world have expanded wetland conservation programs, restored degraded habitats, established protected areas, and promoted sustainable water management. Every year, World Wetlands Day is marked by educational campaigns, guided nature walks, birdwatching events, scientific conferences, school activities, tree planting, and community conservation projects. These initiatives help people appreciate the ecological, economic, and cultural value of wetlands. Many internationally recognized Ramsar Sites demonstrate successful conservation efforts while providing opportunities for research, environmental education, and ecotourism. World Wetlands Day reminds us that protecting wetlands is not only about conserving wildlife but also about safeguarding clean water, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. By working together to restore and protect these remarkable ecosystems, humanity can ensure that wetlands continue supporting life for generations to come.
總結（中文）
世界濕地日提醒人們，濕地是維繫生物多樣性、水資源及氣候平衡的重要生態系統。透過保育與永續利用，我們才能共同守護地球珍貴的自然資產。
Summary (English)
World Wetlands Day highlights the importance of protecting wetlands for biodiversity, clean water, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Conserving these ecosystems benefits both nature and future generations.
