site.btaWorld Wetlands Day Marked amid Warnings over Alarming State of Bulgaria’s Wetlands

World Wetlands Day, marked on February 2, is an occasion to recall that the condition of marshes and other natural water bodies that retain and protect water resources is alarming, the Balkani Wildlife Society said. The protection of these water bodies is under threat or has been significantly delayed, the organization pointed out.

The Dragoman Marsh is an example of preserved biodiversity, but many other sites remain permanently destroyed, the organization noted.

Wetlands such as lakes, marshes, peatlands and other natural water bodies store water resources, retain carbon emissions and provide habitats for rare and endangered ecosystems. In addition to hosting exceptional biodiversity, wetlands limit the negative effects of climate change, as they play an important role in flood protection and reduce the impact of droughts, Balkani added.

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, the Balkani Wildlife Society and WWF-Bulgaria organized a visit to the Dragoman Marsh.

Wetlands function like a sponge, absorbing water during periods of heavy rainfall and then slowly releasing it, thus ensuring water for people and animals, conservationist Stoyan Mihov explained during the marking of the initiative in 2025. In recent years, greater emphasis has also been placed on the importance of wetlands for people, the economy and settlements, he added.