MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has issued a proclamation declaring Monday, February 2, 2026, as World Wetlands Day, to be observed throughout the Republic as a working holiday. This declaration reaffirms Liberia’s longstanding commitment to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, an intergovernmental treaty adopted in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971.
According to a release from the Foreign Ministry, the observance constitutes a global effort, initiated in 1997, to draw urgent national and international attention to the vital role wetlands play in sustaining both human livelihoods and broader ecosystems. President Boakai emphasized that the celebration is designed to heighten public awareness regarding the necessity of conserving and sustainably utilizing these natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
The proclamation highlights that wetlands are indispensable to the nation’s survival and economy. They provide essential food and income sources through fishing, as well as rice and vegetable farming, while simultaneously supporting the travel and tourism sectors. Beyond their economic value, these ecosystems protect groundwater reserves, ensure a steady water supply, and serve as thriving habitats for diverse species. Furthermore, wetlands act as natural shields for coastlines, serve as buffers against flooding, and store carbon, playing a critical role in global climate regulation.
As a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention, Liberia will commemorate World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage.” The official national program is scheduled to take place on SKD Boulevard, near the John Gbesay Resort. The day’s events will commence with a birdwatching activity at 6:00 a.m., followed by a formal indoor program that will bring together a diverse assembly of students, government officials, civil society organizations, youth groups, persons with disabilities, and a broad cross-section of society.
In his call to action, the President encouraged all citizens and foreign residents to undertake concrete measures ensuring the sustainable management and wise use of wetlands and water bodies across the country. He further urged residents to join the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in executing programs designed to make the observance meaningful, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of wetlands’ importance and advocating for their protection amidst rising environmental threats.