WETLANDS are ecosystems in which water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. Wetlands are home to different species of biodiversity, which mostly rely on water and related areas for their life. Reciprocally, the coexistence of those living beings helps form a society of biodiversity.

Wetlands are locations of both freshwater and marine and coastal ecosystems, such as all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet grasslands, peatlands, oases, estuaries, deltas and tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs, and all hu­man-made sites such as fish­ponds, paddy fields, reservoirs and saltpans.

In these areas, the coex­istence of living organisms creates wetland ecosystems. Moreover, these wetlands provide livelihood opportuni­ties for human communities. Therefore, governments and regional authorities in rele­vant countries need to raise public awareness about the important role wetlands play in society. By doing so, future generations will understand the value of wetlands and how they should conserve them, as well as other related areas, for the benefit of human society in addition to the preservation of biodiversity.

These lands are critical to people and nature, given the intrinsic value of these ecosystems, and their ben­efits and services, including their environmental, climate, ecological, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic contri­butions to sustainable development and human wellbeing.

Although they cover only around six per cent of the Earth’s land surface, 40 per cent of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. Wetland biodiversity matters for our health, our food supply, for tourism and for jobs. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2026, celebrated on 2 February, is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” focusing on the deep, historical connections between wetlands, indigenous communities, and cultural practices, highlighting how traditional knowledge is crucial for wetland conservation and sustainable water management.

Both the government and relevant organizations are emphasiz­ing wetland conservation activities across Myanmar. Three major wetlands—Inlay Lake, Indawgyi Lake, and Moeyungyi Lake—are among the most valuable habitats for migratory birds, resident waterbirds, and diverse aquatic species. Moreover, Myanmar’s coastal areas, including prominent beaches, are under conserva­tion, while the government is establishing and expanding mangrove forests in various areas along creeks, rivers, and coastal zones.

As such, everyone has a duty to conserve wetlands to prevent their loss. Another goal is to help improve the climatic conditions of the affected areas. These activities need to be carried out not only in individual countries but across the entire world.