2 February 2012 -- Today marks World Wetlands Day and the 41st anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
World Wetlands Day has been celebrated by government agencies, non-government organisations and community groups every year since 1997 by undertaking actions to raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits, and by promoting the conservation and wise/sustainable use of wetlands.
The theme of World Wetlands Day for 2012 was "Wetlands and Tourism" with the opening ceremony taking place at the To'oa Salamasina Hall followed by a trip to Samoa's Ramsar site, Lake Lanoto'o.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. David Sheppard, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, officially launched the Clean Pacific 2012 Campaign.
"One of the biggest threats to our wetlands is waste and pollution," he said. "Given the importance of this issue for our wetlands, it is timely to introduce the SPREP Clean Pacific 2012 Campaign."
The relationship between proper waste and pollution control, and healthy wetlands is a critical one. The Clean Pacific campaign will aim to promote a clean and healthy environment for our Pacific peoples through improved waste management practices.