World Wetlands Day is on 2 February and it celebrates the 1971 adoption of the International Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian City of Ramsar. In New Zealand events are held throughout February.
Each year there is a new theme for World Wetlands Day and events are held throughout the country. In 2021 the theme is Wetlands and Water.
The 2021 theme highlights the role wetlands play in:
- clean water
- ecosystem resilience
- sustainable livelihoods and jobs
- biodiversity conservation
- storm protection
- carbon storage
- climate change adaptation
- health and well-being
- tourism and recreation
Examples of some of the events around the country are below and for more see the Wetland Trust website.
Nationwide
11 February 2021
Join the Science Learning Hub as we share a range of resources and ideas on how to include repo/wetlands in your local curriculum in this free PLD webinar Te Repo – wetlands as a context for learning.
Te Reo o Te Repo – The Voice of the Wetland, a cultural wetland handbook
Watch the recording of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research's webinar that was held on 2 February and presented by Yvonne Taura, Mahuru Wilcox, and Beverley Clarkson.
World Wetlands Day at ZEALANDIA
31 January 2021
There will be a variety of activities on the Heritage Lawn including weaving workshops, craft stations, storytelling, and a chance to talk with conservation organisations about the state of freshwater and wetlands in New Zealand. Then, search for unique New Zealand wildlife in the sanctuary's own wetland surrounded by native bush.
Find out more here: www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/world-wetlands-day-at-zealandia-tickets-136739759301
Tuna Hikoi/Eel Journey
1 February 2021
The National Wetland Trust will celebrate in the Waikato with our freshwater apex predator, the long-fin eel. Tuna Hikoi/Eel Journey, is a mystery tour for families to explore the district, learn about eels and their habitats and compete for prizes. Look out for the Hub team!
Find out more here: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/world-wetlands-day-tuna-hikoi-mystery-tour/te-awamutu
Matuku Link Open Day
13 February 2021
Join Matuku Reserve Trust in West Auckland to enjoy their wetland restoration, go on guided walks and enjoy their new boardwalk.
For more information: www.facebook.com/matukulink/posts/2721337668079009
Related content
Te whakamahi i ngā rauemi o Tuihonoa Te Reo o Te Repo hei whakarite ara whakaako curates our collection of te reo Māori resources drawn from Te Reo o Te Repo – The Voice of the Wetland. He kōrero hei āwhina i te kaiako is a mātauranga pūtaiao framework for kaiako with suggestions on how to use the repo resources.
Repo (wetlands) – a context for learning curates our collection of English-medium resources, along with pedagogical and curriculum information. The interactive Wetlands – inquiry and action learning process supports educators who are interested in local wetland connections and restoration. We’ve also created Te repo/wetlands – a public collection for you to copy and use.
Explore the importance of wetlands alongside the Waikato River here.
