World Wetlands Day 2026: NI Water highlights the hidden value of Northern Ireland’s wetland heritage

Wetlands at Dungonnell Dam in the Antrim hills.

Northern Ireland’s rich network of wetlands is being celebrated this week as World Wetlands Day is marked across the globe on 2 February, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Heritage’.

Closer to home, NI Water is using the international awareness day to highlight the vital role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, protecting water quality and safeguarding community wellbeing.

Across Northern Ireland, an estimated 80,000 hectares of wetland habitat provide a home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant life, including well-known sites such as Bog Meadows, Glenarm, Moyola, Waterfoot and Lagan Meadows.

Wetlands have long been intertwined with human life, shaping settlement, farming practices and local traditions. Today, they continue to offer essential environmental benefits while also providing tranquil spaces for recreation and connection with nature.

NI Water Catchment Liaison Officer Kerry Morris said this year’s World Wetlands Day theme highlights the enduring relationship between people and these dynamic landscapes.

“This year’s campaign highlights the deep connection between wetlands and human life throughout history, emphasising how these dynamic ecosystems support our wellbeing and heritage.

“Wetlands change daily and are vital to both past and present human life, making every effort to protect them which is crucial for future generations.

“Every wetland matters and every effort counts to ensure their protection for future generations.”

Beyond their cultural and historical significance, wetlands deliver a wide range of practical environmental benefits. They act as natural filtration systems, helping to clean raw water by removing pollutants before it enters rivers and reservoirs. This natural process reduces pressure on water treatment systems while improving overall water quality.

Wetlands also play a key role in tackling climate change. Peatlands, in particular, contain large amounts of sphagnum moss, which is highly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

When well managed, peatlands can significantly reduce carbon emissions, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In addition, wetland areas can slow the flow of water during heavy rainfall, reducing downstream flooding and limiting damage from storm events. As climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather, the role of wetlands in flood prevention is becoming ever more important.

There are also clear human benefits. Spending time in wetland landscapes has been shown to support physical and mental wellbeing, offering peaceful environments where people can reconnect with nature. Many of these areas are also havens for rare birds, insects and animals, making them valuable for education, conservation and eco-tourism.

Reaffirming NI Water’s commitment to protecting these fragile ecosystems, Kerry Morris added:

“Wetlands are among the world’s richest habitats, essential for biodiversity and supporting a variety of wildlife between land and water.

“In Northern Ireland, we are fortunate to have many wetland types – marshes, peatlands, swamps, lagoons, and saltwater marshes – each playing a vital role for nature and people alike.

“On World Wetlands Day, NI Water reaffirms its commitment to protecting these precious areas, which are crucial for clean water, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of our communities and future generations.”

As World Wetlands Day is marked globally, NI Water is encouraging the public to recognise the value of these often-overlooked landscapes and to support efforts to protect them for generations to come.