The Regional Directorate for the Environment, through the Azores Natural Parks, marks Thursday, February 2, the World Wetlands Day to promote awareness of its importance and call for their appreciation and conservation.
 
This year, the celebrations will be held under the theme "The importance of wetlands to reduce the risk of natural disasters" with the aim of raising the awareness of the community for the importance of these ecosystems in preventing natural disasters.
 
A wetland reduces the risk of flooding and land erosion because the vegetation absorbs water and releases it slowly on the ground.
 
In order to mark this day, Natural Parks will promote various environmental awareness activities at schools, environmental centres and some wetlands in the archipelago classified as "Ramsar Sites."
 
Under these celebrations, the Government will provide and educational game to the schools that wish to make their students acquainted with the importance of these protected areas, being essential for the balance of the water cycle. The government official stressed that safeguarding this resource also protects the diversity of life, plants, animals and human well-being.
 
The activities directed to the population are available on the Natural Parks of the Azores website at http://parquesnaturais.azores.gov.pt/pt/ as well as on its Facebook page.