The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), University of Lagos (UNILAG) chapter recently celebrated World Wetlands Day 2025 with a line-up of activities from Friday, January 31, 2025 to Saturday, February 1, 2025.
The activities included a school outreach on Friday, January 31, 2025. During the outreach, the pupils of UNILAG Staff School were sensitized on the role of wetlands and their unique contributions to the ecosystem.
The celebration which continued on Saturday, February 1, 2025 with a bird-watch, climaxed with a panel discussion. In the course of the bird-watch, thirty-four (34) species of birds were identified, just as the ecological viability of UNILAG wetland and its potential for ecotourism were highlighted.
The panel session kicked off with a short presentation/webcast on this year’s theme: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future, by the Secretary-General of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat in Switzerland, Dr. Musonda Mumba.
In his address, Director at Large for SER and Advisor to the UNILAG student chapter of SER, Dr. Excellence O. Akeredolu sought to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards to champion sustainable practices, thus, guaranteeing the preservation of wetlands for future generations.
The Associate Professor at UNILAG’s Department of Zoology shared his vision of a future where wetland protection and conservation were integral parts of the University’s academic curriculum and community practices. He expressed the belief that “together, we can foster a culture of excellence in wetland conservation and protection at our university, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for everyone.”
Students and wetland scientists from the Lekki Bird Club, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Society for Ecological Restoration, and the Institute for African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), UNILAG graced the event with their presence.
About World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day, celebrated each year on 2 February, marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran.
Despite their importance to humanity, wetlands worldwide have been on a steady decline due to human activities such as urbanization, excessive agricultural practices, and pollution. World Wetlands Day aims to address the pressing need for wetland restoration and public awareness about wetlands and their uses.
The theme for World Wetlands Day 2025: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future is based on the need for decisive action today to safeguard natural habitats.
