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Theme 2026
The theme is "Wetlands and traditional knowledge: celebrating cultural heritage", highlighting the link between these environments and the ancestral practices of local populations.
Dates and mobilization
Celebrated internationally on February 2 (anniversary of the 1971 Ramsar Convention), the event runs throughout February in France, coordinated by Ramsar France, the OFB and other partners such as the FNPF. Associations, local authorities and water stakeholders are organizing nature outings, conferences and workshops throughout France and its overseas departments.
Wetlands provide essential benefits for ecosystems, climate and human societies. They act as multifunctional natural infrastructures, confirming the points highlighted in your message.
Carbon storage
They store almost 30% of the earth's carbon, twice as much as the world's forests, thanks to their soils rich in organic matter such as peat. This role as a carbon sink mitigates global warming by limiting greenhouse gas emissions.
Water regulation
These environments absorb excess water during floods, and gradually release it during droughts, recharging water tables and rivers. In this way, they act as natural reservoirs of drinking water and reduce coastal erosion.
Water purification and quality
Functioning as natural filters, they trap pollutants, nutrients and sediments via their plants, improving surface water quality and generating savings on water treatment (up to ?2,000 per hectare/year in France).
Biodiversity and refuges
Home to 30% of France's rare plant species and 50% of its birds, they support exceptional biodiversity and activities such as fishing and oyster farming.
Numerous events on offer
The network of recreational fishing associations offers a variety of activities based around wetlands, such as :
- Discover the ecological and historical role of wetlands.
- Presentation of associated species.
- Guided tours of pike spawning grounds.
- Demonstrations of video fish counting for ecological continuity.âeuros
Discover these events on the "I take action for nature .
