World Wetlands Day 2026: Guadeloupe concerned

Every year, on February 2, World Wetlands Day invites us to take an interest in natural environments that we sometimes encounter without really knowing them. In 2026, mobilization starts as early as January 31, with a theme that resonates particularly in the Antilles:

“Wetlands and traditional knowledge: celebrating cultural heritage”.

In Guadeloupe, this theme makes perfect sense. Here, wetlands are not just landscapes to admire. They are places of life, spaces of transmission, territories where wildlife, humans and nature coexist.

What is World Wetlands Day?

World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention, February 2, 1971. This international treaty reiterates why these environments must be protected. Mangroves, rivers, pools, swamps, lagoons or flood zones: the wetlands form a mosaic of indispensable ecosystems. They regulate water, limit floods, store carbon, and stop erosion. But above all, they house a Wild fauna exceptional, often discreet, sometimes unknown but essential.

Wetlands in Guadeloupe: much more than natural environments

In Guadeloupe, wetlands are part of the decor and daily life. Les Mangroves protect the coastline, rivers draw the valleys, the forest pools become refuges for many species.

These spaces are also carriers of traditional knowledge. Fishing, agriculture, water management, observation of the seasons: over time, the inhabitants have learned to live with these environments, to understand and to respect them. A precious heritage, deeply rooted in the identity of Île aux Belles Eaux.

Today, however, these wetlands are fragile. Urbanization, pollution, habitat fragmentation and climate change are under constant pressure.

“Preserving these wetlands is a necessity today, for wildlife as well as for future generations.”

Magalie Delaye

Essential refuges for wildlife

Wetlands are home to a very large part of the Neotropical wildlife. Amphibians, reptiles, birds, semi-aquatic mammals and invertebrates find food, shelter and breeding sites there.

In Guadeloupe, some species depend directly on it, such as hylodes frogs, turtles, or many waterbirds. When these environments disappear or degrade, entire balances falter.

Protecting wetlands therefore means taking concrete action for the preservation of local wildlife, but also for the natural wealth of the archipelago.

The Guadeloupe Zoo, in the heart of the tropical forest

Located in the heart of the tropical forest, the Guadeloupe Zoo, Parc des Mamelles evolves in an environment directly linked to forest wetlands. The park has several neotropical species closely associated with these environments.

“Through the discovery of the caiman lizard, Schneider's caiman, the hylode frog or even certain tortoises and invertebrates, visitors better understand the fundamental role of wetlands for wildlife.”

Aïssata Doumbia — Director of the Guadeloupe Zoo

The Zoo also plays an essential role in raising awareness. During the visit, young and old alike learn more about the threats to these ecosystems and the actions taken to preserve the most vulnerable species.

Preserving wetlands, a challenge for tomorrow

Wetlands are both reservoirs of biodiversity, allies in the face of climate change and living cultural heritages. In Guadeloupe, their protection is inseparable from that of wildlife and the traditional knowledge associated with it.

World Wetlands Day reminds us of one essential thing: these environments are not fixed. They live, evolve and depend on our collective capacity to understand them, to respect them... and to transmit them.

>> During your Vacations in Guadeloupe, immerse yourself in the heart of the luxuriant nature of Guadeloupe and observe these wetlands that surround you.