A ccording to Ramsar, Nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Yet, wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and more. The World Wetlands Day is celebrated each year on 2 February to raise awareness about wetlands. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands, which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. Wetlands Action for People and Nature is the theme in 2022 highlighting the importance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.

On account to World wetland day, to showcase the importance of the wetlands, change in micro climate and to bridge the connection between wetland and the local community, various wetland walks, tree plantation, tree walk and Shramdhan were organised in Water bodies (Tanks & Ooranis) by CURE team in collaboration with Madurai Urban Vattara Kalanjiams.

Community members cleaning Therthakinaru, Therthakinaru after cleaning (right).

Meeting and Plantation in Kambam Oorani

Cleaning & Weed removal at Parangimalai Kanmai and Soora Vali Medu Kanmai

Tree walk was organised with young and adolescent youth groups from Amal Matric Higher Secondary School, Thirunagar.

Tree walk was organised with young and adolescent youth groups from Amal Matric Higher Secondary School, Thirunagar. A total of 30 students and 15 members from the community participated in the tree walk. Students actively learnt about gardening and upkeep of local and native trees; it was an immersive event for the kids with great insight into the lives of trees.