Cambodia
On 2 February over 300 stakeholders from across Cambodia gathered at Balaing High School in Kampong Thom Province to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Organised by the Department of Freshwater Wetlands Conservation, the event brought together representatives from government agencies, non-governmental organisations, teachers, and students to highlight the role of wetlands in conserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. The event underscored the value of preserving traditional knowledge held by local communities, whose practices have guided sustainable wetland stewardship for generations.
In his opening address, H.E Sok Kheng Norvin, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Environment, emphasised that wetlands are vital natural resources that support communities and biodiversity. He outlined four priority areas for wetlands including conservation, restoration, sustainable use, and cultural education, and called for action to address key threats, such as land conversion for agriculture, unsustainable resource extraction, pollution, and climate variability affecting Cambodia’s major wetland systems.
The event concluded with interactive activities, including a wetlands quiz with prizes for students. Tree planting and the distribution of educational materials reinforced Cambodia’s commitment to wetland conservation.
Thailand
On the morning of 2 February, more than 700 people—from government officials to youth groups—gathered at Benjakitti Park in the heart of Bangkok to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The event, hosted by Thailand’s Department of Water Resources, embraced the theme “Wetlands and Indigenous Wisdom: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.”
Presiding over the ceremony, Mr Phedet Laithong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reminded everyone that wetlands are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. They provide water, food, wildlife habitat, and natural protection against floods and droughts—while also carrying rich cultural traditions.
Adding to this, Mr Teerachun Boonsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, emphasised the importance of working together to protect both nature and cultural heritage for future generations.
The day featured lively discussions on traditional knowledge for sustainable wetland conservation, youth learning stations, and exhibitions by partner organisations. A highlight of the event was the recognition of the Royal Thai Army Nature Education Center (Bang Pu), Samut Prakan, as Thailand’s 16th Ramsar Site, marking it as a Wetland of International Importance.
Viet Nam
Viet Nam celebrated World Wetlands Day at the local and national level. Locally, in the northern mountainous province of Gia Lai, schools came together to disseminate knowledge and implement site-specific actions. Nguyen Hue No 2 High School engaged teachers, students, and parents in commitments to conserve and sustainably use wetlands, discontinue activities that degrade wetland ecosystems, and promote local restoration efforts. The school developed learning materials and delivered wetland conservation information to 1,450 teachers and students, while 150 students participated in environmental clean-up activities.
At the national level, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued an official letter, calling on ministries, central organisations, and provincial People’s Committees to intensify communication on the ecological, environmental, cultural, and economic values of wetlands and promote nature-based, community-based, and traditional knowledge-driven solutions.
IUCN, as Secretariat to IBRRI, will continue working closely with Member States to protect wetlands and the vital ecosystem services they provide for millions of people across the region.
