World Wetlands Day 2 February 2012

World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February, and involves government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups undertaking activities to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

The international theme for World Wetlands Day 2012 is Wetlands and Tourism. Responsible tourism supports wetlands and people. In 2009–10 tourism directly employed over half a million Australians and contributed $34 billion or 2.6 per cent to Australia’s gross domestic product. Many tourism destinations are at wetlands, including iconic sites such as Kakadu National Park. Wetlands also provide local tourism and recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing and bird watching.