WORLD Wetlands Day is observed annually on February 2 each year to mark the date in 1971 when countries signed unto the Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar. By signing on to the Convention on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar Convention), countries pledge to maintain the ecological character of their wetlands, which are of international importance, and to plan for the sustainable or “wise” use of all of the wetlands in their territories.
World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997. Since then, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and even ordinary citizens have taken the opportunity to raise public awareness of the values and benefits of wetlands in their respective countries.

Tourism in wetlands
For 2012, Wetlands Day will be celebrated under the theme Wetlands and tourism.
Wetland tourism has benefits for both people and wildlife and lead to stronger economies, sustainable livelihoods, healthy people and thriving ecosystems. At least 35 percent of Ramsar Sites around the world record some level of tourism activity. Of course, it is important to consider tourism in all wetlands – not just those designated as Ramsar Sites – since the Contracting Parties to the Convention are committed to managing all wetlands.
Tourism is only one of the ecosystem services that wetlands provide. Ensuring well-managed tourism practices in and around wetlands and educating tourists on their value ensures the maintenance of the long-term benefits that wetlands provide to people, wildlife, economics, and biodiversity.
The wetland itself can benefit directly when the income from tourism (entry fees, local products, etc.) is used directly for conservation measures at the wetland, thus linking tourism with long-term conservation.
Income can be effectively used for training local guides and tour operators so that they understand the key features of the wetland and can explain simple conservation measures to tourists. At the same time, they can gain knowledge to ensure that their operations do not have any adverse impacts on the natural resources. Income generated from tourism activities can also be used for appropriate signage at wetlands and also simple pamphlets, which can demonstrate the values of wetlands and the benefits they deliver to us all.

Disadvantages of tourism to wetlands
The rapid growth of tourism puts enormous pressure on tourist destinations and their natural and cultural attractions. Humans are usually attracted to water and this has put coastal wetlands such as sandy beaches, mangroves and coral reefs under severe threats from the development of tourist infrastructure.
Wetland ecosystems are often fragile, and without proper controls there is always a risk that tourism can have negative effects on wetland habitats, animals and plants, as well as on the local communities that may depend on them for a livelihood.
Uncontrolled tourism can result in:
•  Damage to coral reefs through poorly moored dive boats or    poorly trained dive operators and divers;
•  Destruction of sensitive habitats, such as peat-lands; and
•  Erosion and excessive disturbance of breeding bird populations.

Tourism outside wetland sites can also damage wetland ecosystems and have adverse impacts upon the wetlands themselves. This occurs through:

•  Removal of water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation for tourism facilities from rivers and aquifers that maintain the wetland’s water regime;
•  Overharvesting of fish and shellfish to supply hotels and restaurants;
•  Poor disposal of wastes; and
•  Discharge of effluents into wetlands.

In order to prevent these negative impacts, there are some things that tourism businesses can do to promote and support wetland biodiversity. These include:

•  Reducing pollution from tourism activities, particularly by ensuring that all liquid and solid wastes are properly treated and disposed of in ways that do not result in damage to biodiversity, and by minimising use of pesticides, fertilisers and toxic chemicals;
•  Obtaining all food stuff and other biological resources used in tourism activities from sustainably managed sources;
•  Supporting biodiversity conservation by government agencies and NGOs through practical actions, including financial contributions, for example, through sponsorships and voluntary donations;
•  Ensuring that no invasive alien species are introduced through tourism activities;
•  Ensuring that no threatened or endangered species are put at risk from tourism activities or enter the tourism supply chain (especially as foods or souvenirs); and
•  Increasing awareness of tourists and tour companies about the value of biodiversity and the steps they can take to protect it.

You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com