The observance of World Wetlands Day on 2nd February underscores the vital importance of wetlands as life-sustaining ecosystems that are fundamental to the continuity of life on Earth.
World Wetlands Day 2026, observed under the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” highlights the deep and enduring linkages between wetlands and the cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge systems of communities across the world.
Covering nearly six percent of the Earth’s land surface, wetlands are indispensable to humanity and countless species. They sustain livelihoods through fisheries, agriculture, tourism and other economic activities, while also performing critical ecological functions such as water purification, flood regulation and climate change mitigation.
In view of the growing pressures on these fragile ecosystems, dedicated and sustained efforts are essential to prevent wetland loss and to restore degraded wetlands.
On the occasion, I call upon all citizens of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to come together in conserving and restoring wetlands for our collective well-being and for the benefit of future generations.
Admiral D.K. Joshi
PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)
Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands
& Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency