World Wetlands Day has been celebrated internationally each year on 2 February since 1997. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.

The international theme for 2012 is 'Wetlands and Tourism- a great experience'. To raise public awareness and to promote conservation of wetlands, a Community Tree Planting Day will be held at Cattana Wetlands on Thursday 2 February with Conservation Volunteers and Cairns Regional Council.

The Cattana Wetlands is around 80 hectares of degraded land which has rehabilitated into a nature conservation park. The land was purchased by the then Mulgrave Shire Council in 1993 to protect the lowland rainforest on the western end of the site which is described as the Feather Palm Forest. This is a remnant of what was once an extensive forest type in the Cairns Region.

Members from our local community will join together with international volunteers to continue the long term rehabilitation of Cattana Wetlands. The tree planting day will include a BBQ lunch being provided. Contact Conservation Volunteers to find out more on 4032 0844.

Image: Julie Ransby has travelled from Denmark to volunteer in our region with CVA for 6 weeks.