ASITY Madagascar célèbre la Journée mondiale des zones humides 2020

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ASITY Madagascar célèbre la Journée mondiale des zones humides 2020
Les célébrations auront lieu au parc Tsarasaotra, à Antananarivo, le 2 février

Antananarivo, le 30 janvier 2020 - ASITY Madagascar, partenaire de BirdLife International à Madagascar,
marquera la Journée mondiale des zones humides (JMZ) le 2 février 2020. La JMZ est célébrée le 2 février
de chaque année pour sensibiliser au rôle vital des zones humides pour les populations et notre planète.
Cette journée marque également la date de l'adoption de la Convention sur les zones humides le 2 février
1971 à Ramsar, en Iran.

Le thème de cette année est "Les zones humides et la biodiversité", soulignant la nécessité de protéger les
zones humides et la biodiversité. Les estimations montrent que la biodiversité est en déclin dans le monde
entier, les zones humides disparaissant trois fois plus vite que les forêts. Par conséquent, cette année
souligne la nécessité de protéger la biodiversité des zones humides et de s'attaquer d'urgence à sa perte.

Cette année, Madagascar célébrera la JMZ à Antananarivo. Les célébrations sont organisées par le
ministère de l'environnement, ASITY jouant un rôle crucial dans l'organisation de cet événement. Les
célébrations comprendront un discours d'ouverture du représentant du gouvernement, une visite
importante du parc de Tsarasaotra, un site Ramsar privé et la plantation d'arbres.

Au niveau local, ASITY, en partenariat avec les autorités locales, mènera des programmes d'information et
de sensibilisation. Des fonctionnaires et des experts de l'administration locale s'adresseront également aux
participants sur la manière de contribuer aux efforts de conservation.

"Les zones humides de Madagascar sont importantes pour le bien-être de la population et de
l'environnement. Elles offrent une protection essentielle contre les catastrophes naturelles, notamment
les sécheresses et les inondations, et abritent en outre une grande diversité biologique. La Journée
mondiale des zones humides 2020 est l'occasion de sensibiliser à l'importance des zones humides et à la
manière dont le déclin des zones humides et de la biodiversité peut être traité", explique Rivo Rabarisoa
d'ASITY Madagascar.

Madagascar compte un certain nombre de zones humides, dont le célèbre complexe de zones humides de
Bemanevika. Ces dernières années, les zones humides de Madagascar ont décliné à un rythme alarmant,
en raison de l'augmentation de la population et du défrichement des terres pour l'agriculture.

Il est nécessaire que les communautés locales, les écologistes et les gouvernements locaux travaillent
ensemble pour atténuer les menaces qui pèsent sur les zones humides. BirdLife Botswana, en collaboration
avec des partenaires, a entrepris divers efforts de conservation axés sur la conservation des zones
humides", ajoute Rivo Rabarisoa.

À propos de la Journée mondiale des zones humides (JMZ)

La Journée mondiale des zones humides (JMZ) est célébrée chaque année pour souligner le rôle important
joué par les zones humides dans l'environnement. Elle est organisée par le Secrétariat de la Convention de
Ramsar.

À propos d'ASITY Madagascar

ASITY Madagascar est une organisation de conservation qui se concentre sur la promotion de la
conservation des oiseaux, de la biodiversité, de la protection de l'environnement par l'éducation
environnementale, la sensibilisation, la recherche et la surveillance en plus de l'autonomisation des
communautés. BirdLife est membre de BirdLife International, le plus grand partenariat de conservation au
monde.

Contact pour les médias

Rivo Rabarisoa : rivo.rabarisoa@birdlife-mada.org

Press release – For immediate release

BirdLife Botswana (BLB) marks World Wetlands Day 2020
Celebrations will be held in Maun, Ngamiland on February 2nd

Gaborone, 30 January 2020 – BirdLife Botswana -BirdLife International partner in Botswana will mark the
World Wetlands Day(WWD) on February 1st 2020. WWD is celebrated on February 2 every year to raise
awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The day also marks the date of the
adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and
biodiversity. Estimates show that biodiversity is declining globally, with wetlands disappearing three times
faster than forests. Consequently, this year underlines the need to protect wetlands biodiversity and
urgently address its loss.

This year, Botswana will celebrate WWD in Ngamiland. The celebrations organized by the Department of
Environmental Affairs will include poetry and perform plays on the importance and threats faced wetlands.
Local administrative officials and experts will also address participants on how to assist in conservation
efforts.

“Botswana’s wetlands are important to the wellbeing of the people and environment. They provide critical
safeguards from natural disasters including droughts and floods, in addition to providing home to an array
of biodiversity. World Wetlands Day 2020 provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance
of wetlands, and how the decline of wetlands and biodiversity can be addressed”, explains Keddy Moleofi
of BirdLife Botswana

Botswana has a number of wetlands most importantly the Okavango Delta swamp which provides a habitat
for some endangered species of mammals. Additionally, Kalahari Desert which borders this important
wetland is home to a diverse array of biodiversity that must be protected.

There is need for local communities, conservationists and local governments to work together to mitigate
threats facing wetlands and BirdLife Botswana in conjunction with partners has been undertaking various
conservation efforts focussing on wetlands conservation,” adds Keddy Moleofi.

About World Wetland Day(WWD)

World Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated each year to highlight the important role played by wetlands in
the environment, and organized by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

About BirdLife Botswana

Established in 1980, BirdLife Botswana is a conservation organization focusing on promoting conservation
of birds, biodiversity, protection of the environment through environmental education, community
outreach, awareness, research and monitoring in addition to community empowerment. BirdLife is a
member of BirdLife International, the world’s largest conservation partnership.

Media Contact:

Keddy Moleofi: education@birdlifebotswana.org.bw

Press release – For immediate release

BirdWatch Zambia (BWZ) marks World Wetlands Day 2020
Celebrations will be held on 2nd and 6th -7th February

Lusaka, 30 January 2020 – BirdWatch Zambia -BirdLife International partner in Zambia will mark the World
Wetlands Day(WWD) on 2nd and 6th -7Th February 2020. WWD is celebrated on February 2 every year to
raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The day also marks the date of
the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and
biodiversity. Estimates show that biodiversity is declining globally, with wetlands disappearing three times
faster than forests. Consequently, this year underlines the need to protect wetlands biodiversity and
urgently address its loss.

This year, BirdWatch Zambia will celebrate WWD on February 2nd in conjunction with the Ministry of Land,
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection and other organizations and selected schools. The
celebrations will include a march to Venda Valley wetland, in Avondale Lusaka. In addition, other activities
will include clean up exercises in the wetlands and educative performances dances and poems from
children. Local administrative officials and experts will also address participants on how to assist in
conservation efforts. On 6-7th February 2020, BWZ will hold birding activities with two primary schools in
Chartonel Farm, Chisamba District as part of its Education and Awareness program

“Zambia’s wetlands are important to the wellbeing of the people and environment. They provide critical
safeguards from natural disasters including droughts and floods, in addition to providing home to an array
of biodiversity. World Wetlands Day 2020 provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance
of wetlands, and how the decline of wetlands and biodiversity can be addressed”, explains Christelle
Makonga of BirdWatch Zambia

Zambia has a number of wetlands including the Bangweulu swamps, Zambezi Floodplain, and the Lukanga
Swamp among others. These wetlands are home to a diverse array of biodiversity that must be protected.

There is need for local communities, conservationists and local governments to work together to mitigate
threats facing wetlands and BirdWatch Zambia in conjunction with partners has been undertaking various
conservation efforts focussing on wetlands conservation,” adds Christelle Makonga.

About World Wetland Day(WWD)

World Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated each year to highlight the important role played by wetlands in
the environment, and organized by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

About BirdWatch Zambia

Established in 1969, BirdWatch Zambia (BWZ) formerly Zambian Ornithological Society (ZOS), is a
membership-based environmental NGO focusing on promoting the study and conservation of birds and
their habitats. BirdWatch Zambia is a member of BirdLife International, a global environmental and
conservation partnership.

                                         – Ends –

Media Contact:

Christelle Makongan: christelle.makonga@birdwatchzambia.org

Press release – For immediate release

Ghana Wildlife Society (GWS) marks World Wetlands Day 2020
Celebrations will be held in Accra on February 1st

Accra, 30 January 2020 – Ghana Wildlife Society - BirdLife International partner in Ghana will mark the
World Wetlands Day(WWD) on February 1st 2020. WWD is celebrated on February 2 every year to raise
awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The day also marks the date of the
adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and
biodiversity. Estimates show that biodiversity is declining globally, with wetlands disappearing three times
faster than forests. Consequently, this year underlines the need to protect wetlands biodiversity and
urgently address its loss.

This year, Ghana will celebrate WWD in Accra. The celebrations organized by GWS include awareness
raising on wetlands and biodiversity among school children in Accra. In addition, GWS will organize a
birdwalk for school children and the public at the Densu Delta Wetland, a Ramsar site in Accra. Local
administrative officials and experts will also address participants on how to assist in wetlands conservation
efforts.

“Ghana’ s wetlands are important to the wellbeing of the people and environment. They provide critical
safeguards from natural disasters including droughts and floods, in addition to providing home to an array
of biodiversity. World Wetlands Day 2020 provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance
of wetlands, and how the decline of wetlands and biodiversity can be addressed”, explains Raphael Lartey
of Ghana Wildlife Society.

Ghana has a number of wetlands including the important Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Songor, and Keta Lagoon
Complex among others. These wetlands are important for water supply, agriculture and recreation and
other ecosystem services However in recent times, these wetlands have come under intense pressure due
to human activities.

There is need for local communities, conservationists and local governments to work together to mitigate
threats facing wetlands and GWS in conjunction with partners has been undertaking various conservation
efforts focussing on wetlands conservation,” adds Raphael Lartey.

About World Wetland Day(WWD)

World Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated each year to highlight the important role played by wetlands in
the environment, and organized by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

About Ghana Wildlife Society

Established in 1970s, Ghana Wildlife Society is a conservation organization focusing on research and
conservation science, conservation education in addition to policy and advocacy. Ghana Wildlife Society is
a member of BirdLife International, the world’s largest conservation partnership.

Media Contact:

Raphael Laerty: rlartey@ghanawildlifesociety.org

(0501384656)

Communiqué de presse

Le GREPOM célèbre la Journée mondiale des zones humides 2020
Les célébrations auront lieu le 4 février

Rabat, 30 janvier 2020 - Le partenaire du GREPOM-BirdLife International au Maroc marquera la Journée
mondiale des zones humides (JMZ) le 4 février. La JMZ est célébrée le 4 février de chaque année pour
sensibiliser au rôle vital des zones humides pour les populations et notre planète. Cette journée marque
également la date de l'adoption de la Convention sur les zones humides le 2 février 1971 à Ramsar, en Iran.

Le thème de cette année est "Les zones humides et la biodiversité", soulignant la nécessité de protéger les
zones humides et la biodiversité. Les estimations montrent que la biodiversité est en déclin dans le monde
entier, les zones humides disparaissant trois fois plus vite que les forêts. Par conséquent, cette année
souligne la nécessité de protéger la biodiversité des zones humides et de s'attaquer d'urgence à sa perte.

Cette année, le GREPOM célébrera la JMZ à Rabat, en collaboration avec le ministère de l'agriculture, le
département des eaux et forêts, l'institut scientifique, le WWF Maroc et l'Association marocaine pour la
protection de l'environnement et du climat (ASMAPEC).

Dans tout le Maroc, cette journée sera célébrée par la sensibilisation aux zones humides et à la biodiversité,
l'observation des oiseaux et des sorties. Des fonctionnaires et des experts de l'administration locale
s'adresseront également aux participants pour leur expliquer comment contribuer aux efforts de
conservation.

"Les zones humides du Maroc sont importantes pour le bien-être de la population et de l'environnement.
Elles offrent une protection essentielle contre les catastrophes naturelles, notamment les sécheresses et
les inondations, en plus d'abriter une grande variété de biodiversité. La Journée mondiale des zones
humides 2020 est l'occasion de sensibiliser à l'importance des zones humides et à la manière dont le déclin
des zones humides et de la biodiversité peut être traité", explique Hitcham Elgatem du GREPOM.

Le Maroc compte de nombreuses zones humides qui ont été mises sous pression par les activités humaines.
Il est nécessaire que les communautés locales, les écologistes et les gouvernements locaux travaillent
ensemble pour atténuer les menaces qui pèsent sur les zones humides et le GREPOM, en collaboration
avec des partenaires, a entrepris divers efforts de conservation axés sur la conservation des zones
humides", ajoute Hitcham

À propos de la Journée mondiale des zones humides (JMZ)

La Journée mondiale des zones humides (JMZ) est célébrée chaque année pour souligner le rôle important
joué par les zones humides dans l'environnement. Elle est organisée par le Secretariat de la Convention de
Ramsar.

À propos du GREPOM

Créé en 1993, le GREPOM est une organisation de protection de l'environnement qui se concentre sur la
promotion de la conservation de la biodiversité, l'utilisation prudente des ressources naturelles et la
protection de l'environnement par l'éducation à l'environnement, la sensibilisation des communautés, la
recherché et la surveillance. Le GREPOM est membre de BirdLife International, le plus grand partenariat
mondial pour la conservation.

Contact pour les médias :

Hitcham Elgatem : elgatem@grepom.org

Press release – For immediate release

Nigeria Conservation Foundation Society marks World Wetlands Day 2020
Celebrations will be held from 1st-3rd February 2020

Lagos, 31 January 2020 – Nigeria Conservation Foundation- BirdLife International partner in Nigeria will
mark the World Wetlands Day(WWD) from 1st-3rd February 2020. WWD is celebrated on February 2 every
year to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The day also marks the
date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and
biodiversity. Estimates show that biodiversity is declining globally, with wetlands disappearing three times
faster than forests. Consequently, this year underlines the need to protect wetlands biodiversity and
urgently address its loss.

This year, Nigeria will celebrate WWD in Lagos, Calabar, Nguru and Finima. The celebrations organized by
NCF include awareness and sensitization programmes, documentary viewing and birdwatching, workshop,
and tree planting among other activities.

“Nigeria’s wetlands are important to the wellbeing of the people and environment. They provide critical
safeguards from natural disasters including droughts and floods, in addition to providing home to an array
of biodiversity. World Wetlands Day 2020 provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance
of wetlands, and how the decline of wetlands and biodiversity can be addressed”, explains Oladapo Soneye
of Nigeria Conservation Foundation.

Nigeria has numerous wetlands, including the Niger Delta, which is Africa’s largest wetland. These wetlands
are important for water supply, agriculture and recreation and other ecosystem services However in recent
times, these wetlands have come under intense pressure due to human activities.

There is need for local communities, conservationists and local governments to work together to mitigate
threats facing wetlands and NCF in conjunction with partners has been undertaking various conservation
efforts focussing on wetlands conservation,” adds Oladapo Soneye.

About World Wetland Day(WWD)

World Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated each year to highlight the important role played by wetlands in
the environment, and organized by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

About Nigeria Conservation Foundation

Established in 198o, Nigeria Conservation Foundation is a conservation organization focusing on species
conservation, climate change, conservation education, in addition to policy and advocacy. Nigeria
Conservation Foundation is a member of BirdLife International, the world’s largest conservation
partnership.

Media Contact:

Oladapo Soneye : oladapo.soneye@ncfnigeria.org

Press release – For immediate release

Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) marks World Wetlands Day
2020
Celebrations will be held on February 1st

Blantyre, 30 January 2020 – Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) -BirdLife International
partner in Malawi will mark the World Wetlands Day(WWD) on February 1st 2020. WWD is celebrated on
February 2 every year to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The
day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in Ramsar,
Iran.

This year’s theme is “Wetlands and Biodiversity”, highlighting the need to protect wetlands and
biodiversity. Estimates show that biodiversity is declining globally, with wetlands disappearing three times
faster than forests. Consequently, this year underlines the need to protect wetlands biodiversity and
urgently address its loss.

This year, Malawi will celebrate WWD across various towns including Blantyre. Lilongwe and Zomba. Key
activities to mark the event will include an orchid walk, bird walk, and an African Waterbird count. The
celebrations organized by WESM include awareness raising on wetlands and biodiversity.

“Malawi’ s wetlands are important to the wellbeing of the people and environment. They provide critical
safeguards from natural disasters including droughts and floods, in addition to providing home to an array
of biodiversity. World Wetlands Day 2020 provides an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance
of wetlands, and how the decline of wetlands and biodiversity can be addressed”, explains Dr Tiwonge
Mzumara of WESM.

Malawi has a number of wetlands including the important Lake Chilwa wetland and Elephant Marsh in
Chikhawa and Nsanje districts. These wetlands support livelihoods in many rural communities across
Malawi.

There is need for local communities, conservationists and local governments to work together to mitigate
threats facing wetlands and GWS in conjunction with partners has been undertaking various conservation
efforts focussing on wetlands conservation,” adds Dr Tiwonge.

About World Wetland Day(WWD)

World Wetland Day (WWD) is celebrated each year to highlight the important role played by wetlands in
the environment, and organized by the Ramsar Convention Secretariat.

About Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi

Established in 1947, Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi (WESM) is a conservation organization
dedicated to protecting Malawi’s biodiversity and ecosystems through nine branches across Malawi. WESM
focusses on wildlife conservation, and environmental education. WESM           is a member of BirdLife
International, the world’s largest conservation partnership.

Media Contact:

Tiwonge Mzumara

birdsmalawi@gmail.com