World Wetlands Day 2025: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future in Antigua and Barbuda by Brent Simon
Dr. Tricia Lovell/Deputy Fisheries Officer
World wetlands Day celebrated annually on February 2nd, serves as a global call for the sustainable use of wetlands. The theme for 2025, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future,” highlights the critical role these ecosystems play in preserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting local livelihoods.
In Antigua and Barbuda, wetlands are one of the cornerstones of the nation’s environmental and economic health. With regions such as the North East Marine Management Area (NEMMA) providing essential services like fisheries support and coastline protection, wetlands are vital to the country’s sustainable development. Recognizing their importance, Antigua and Barbuda became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2005, solidifying its commitment to their preservation.
Dr. Tricia Lovell, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer and National Focal Point for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, has been at the forefront of World Wetlands Day initiatives in the country. Her educational efforts and extensive outreach have significantly raised public awareness about the value of wetlands.
Over the years, Dr. Lovell has organized numerous activities including:
· Lectures to students, sparking interest and understanding of wetlands ecosystems at a young age.
· Media interviews and newspaper articles that emphasize wetlands’ role in biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
· Guided field trips to local wetlands, such as the mangrove forests in Fitches Creek Bay. Offering hands-on learning experiences for participants.
For 2025, Dr. Lovell has announced a series of events that aligns with this year’s theme. A highlight of this year’s celebration is the “Wetlands Biodiversity and Wellness Tour” in NEMMA, which invites community members to explore mangrove ecosystems via guided kayaking trips. Participants will gain firsthand insight into the role of mangroves as nurseries for marine life and their function in protecting coastal areas from erosion.
Dr. Lovell’s unwavering dedication to environmental education and outreach continues to inspire action among citizens. By fostering a deeper connection to wetlands, her work encourages conservation and sustainable practices that ensure these vital eco systems endure for future generations.
As Antigua and Barbuda marks World Wetlands Day 2025, the nation demonstrates its commitment to protecting wetlands, not just as ecological assets but as shared heritage integral to our sustainable future.