Kampala, Uganda: Cultural institutions across the world have been urged to take a leading role in the protection and restoration of wetlands, recognising their influence in safeguarding ecosystems that serve as critical carbon sinks, climate regulators and pillars of cultural heritage.
The call was made by Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, during Uganda’s national commemoration of World Wetlands Day 2026, held in Kampala on Monday, February 2.
The event was hosted by the Ministry of Water and Environment, with a message delivered on behalf of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni by the Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja.
Addressing delegates, Dr Mumba underscored the deep interconnections between wetlands, cultural practices, traditional knowledge systems and community heritage, noting that wetlands are not only biodiversity hotspots but also cultural landscapes central to identity and sustainable livelihoods.
She aligned her remarks to the 2026 global theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” and the accompanying slogan “Conserve Wetlands, Protect Heritage,” which highlight the role of indigenous and traditional knowledge in conserving fragile ecosystems.
In a landmark commitment to ecosystem-based climate mitigation and adaptation, Lawrence Opar Angala, Prime Minister of the Alur Kingdom, signed a pledge on behalf of his cultural institution to partner with the Government of Uganda in implementing the National Wetlands Strategic Plan.
The commitment aligns with Uganda’s sustainable development targets toward 2030 and advances obligations under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands adopted in 1972.
Uganda is one of 172 contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention and continues to prioritise wetland restoration and protection as part of its environmental and climate agenda.
Environmental experts at the event noted that wetland conservation delivers multiple climate and development co-benefits, including carbon sequestration, reduced greenhouse gas emissions from degradation, improved water security and flood control, and protection of biodiversity-dependent livelihoods.
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