On February 2nd every year, the signatories to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance commemorate the objectives of the Convention through a theme. Fiji became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 2006.

For 2020, the theme is Wetlands and Biodiversity.

What can you do to educate yourself on Fiji’s wetlands?

This year, we invite to take a good look at your nearest coastal area or mudflat. How is it faring? Do you have many trees? What did this area look like 20 years ago? Do you have any shorebirds?

If you can find shorebirds, which species can you see?

Five species of shorebirds do not lay their eggs in Fiji. They fly all the way to Alaska or Siberia to mate and breed before their long journey south towards Fiji and the other islands in Oceania. Some birds take this flight from when they are only 19 days old. One species, in particular, the Bar-tailed Godwit, holds the longest record for flying non-stop for over 6,000 miles up to 8 days! In that time, they lose all their stomach muscle and arrive in Fiji or other places in the Southern Hemisphere really really hungry. Their stomach muscles are re-developed as they ingest food while they are here.

You can find out more about the other species here.

More information on World Wetlands Day can be found on their website.

What will you do to commemorate World Wetlands Day in 2020? Let us know. We would love to hear from you!