A meeting themed “Caring for wetlands – an answer to climate change” was held on February 27 in Hanoi to mark World Wetlands Day (February 2).
The event was co-organized by the General Department for Environment, Birdlife International, and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Meeting participants said that despite wetlands being vulnerable to human-induced climate change, if managed well, they would play a role in its mitigation. These habitats would be important in helping humans to adapt to climate change through their critical role in ensuring water and food security.
Following the meeting, several activities were conducted to promote the climate-saving significance of wetlands.
Birds were set free to symbolize that wetlands need protecting to save the habitat of waterfowl species.
Leaflets were distributed and a there was a bicycle parade for the event.
To mark World Wetlands Day, provinces and cities across the country have urged local agencies to strengthen protection of the environment and biodiversity regarding wetlands.
On February 2, 1971, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Since then February 2 has been celebrated as World Wetlands Day. In 1989, Vietnam signed the treaty, which now has 159 country members.
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