World Wetlands Day 2026:

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As part of World Wetlands Day (WWD 2026), celebrated every 2 February, Wetlands International is highlighting the fundamental role of traditional knowledge in the protection and sustainable management of wetlands, under the theme:

‘Wetlands and traditional knowledge: celebrating cultural heritage’.

Throughout the world, and particularly in Africa, wetlands are intimately linked to the history, culture and lifestyles of local communities. Artisanal fishing, rice cultivation, forest product collection, spiritual practices and traditional governance systems have, for generations, helped to preserve these ecosystems while ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Today, this knowledge is under threat, as are the wetlands themselves, from rapid urbanisation, ecosystem degradation, pollution and the effects of climate change. Yet recognising and promoting this knowledge is essential to strengthening the resilience of territories and communities.

Wetlands are not only natural ecosystems, they are also spaces of memory, culture, and knowledge transfer. The traditional knowledge developed by local communities over generations is a precious heritage and a source of concrete solutions for sustainable wetland management and resilience to climate change. By valuing them, we are strengthening both nature conservation and the future of the communities that depend on them.

 Ibrahima Thiam
Executive Director of Wetlands International Africa.

Through its actions, Wetlands International works alongside local communities, public authorities and partners to:

  • Integrate traditional knowledge into wetland conservation strategies;
  • Promote participatory and inclusive approaches;
  • Restore degraded ecosystems, particularly mangroves, drawing on local knowledge;
  • Strengthen advocacy for policies that recognise the central role of communities in wetland management.

For this reason, WIACO and its partners, in particular the National Parks Directorate (DPN), the Directorate of Community Marine Protected Areas (DAMCP), the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas (IBAP), the Organisation for the Development of Wetlands (ODZH), Nature Communauté et Développement (NCD), etc., have organised community workshops in the field, awareness-raising activities, media campaigns and cultural activities to celebrate this living cultural heritage and remind people that protecting wetlands also involves passing on knowledge. These celebrations are held in several areas where we operate in West Africa, such as Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, etc. These celebrations are held in several areas where we operate in West Africa, such as Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, etc.

Join this movement, supported by Wetlands International since decades, for collective and practical action.