The topic for this year’s World Wetlands Day is “It’s time for wetland restoration.” It calls on the current generation to take steps to revive and restore degraded wetlands. World Wetlands Day is a global campaign to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands and it is marked every year on 2nd February. This day also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) - an intergovernmental treaty created in 1971, which is currently ratified by 172 countries.

The Ramsar Convention Secretariat invites individuals, public organizations, and social enterprises to submit proposals for projects or initiatives that aim to contribute to healthy wetlands by promoting conservation, restoration, or improved management.

The winning project idea or initiative will receive 10 000 euro provided by Danone.

ELIGIBLE IDEAS AND CRITERIA

The 2023 grant seeks to support ideas or approaches for ongoing or planned initiatives anywhere in the world with demonstration capacity for implementation and replication in areas with similar characteristics.

Eligible ideas may include:

• Techniques for conservation, restoration, and wise use of wetland ecosystems, including their resources;
• Community efforts or commitment to a cause that benefits wetlands, e.g. conservation area designation or wetland cleanup activities, etc.;
• Initiatives to support the creation of alternative livelihoods to reduce environmenta; pressure on wetlands;
• Initiatives or actions that will lead to long-term protection and conservation of wetlands;
• Research or scientific project to increase knowledge and understanding of wetlands.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Anyone aged 18 or above can apply for the grant individually or as part of a public organization or social enterprise.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application window for the 2023 grant will open on 2 February 2023 and close on 2 March 2023.

You can see more information about World Wetlands Day HERE.