The Corbett Foundation celebrated Wetland Day on 2nd February 2008. Wetlands are important for the conservation of aquatic flora and fauna. Wetlands vary in species diversity since they support flora and fauna both from terrestrial and aquatic habitats. But due the neglect and destruction of these important ecosystems continues. Since school children can play an important role in conservation of wetlands, this year we decided to celebrate Wetland Day with them. 20 children and five teachers from different schools were taken to the Tumaria wetland, located in the Terai West forest division. School children learned about the importance of wetlands and the role they play in our life, and took an oath to protect the wetland.   

School children at Tumaria wetland to celebrate Wetland day
School children showed their great interest during the bird watching and habitat conservation discussion.

Some of the reactions were….
“I had never thought that Wetlands have so much importance for the birds and other aquatic life. Birds are so beautiful and important that everyone should be equally involved in conservation.”     Rohit Devalal, Class IX Inter College Dhikuli
                                                                                                                                    
“Now science is my favorite subject. It is great to have such experience that whatever you learn with books you also get an practical experience here”    Kamal Savan, Class XI B.D Joshi Public School.

“I will choose forest services as my career for the conservation of our forest and wildlife.” Rajat Joshi, Class VIII J.H. Mohan School.

JH Kunkhet, JH Mohan, Inter College Dhikuli and JH Sunderkhal, B.D. Joshi Public School Ladua participated in the Wetland celebration. Dr. Harendra Bargali, Mr. Sharad Kumar and Mr. Harish Bhandari explained the importance of wetlands. The event was very successful with school teachers and children promising to become partners in  conservation and volunteer for activities related to conservation.