‘World Wetlands Day’ is celebrated internationally on 2nd February every year. It marks the anniversary of signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2nd February 1971. The day is recognized as a United Nations International Day of Importance.
The Department of Botany of Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce commemorates this day every year by holding activities to create awareness and develop a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation, particularly wetland conservation.
This year, on 2nd February 2023, an Elocution Competition on the topic ‘Protect Our Wetlands’ was held for the students across the faculties of Science, Arts and Commerce. A brochure announcing the competition along with the link for registration was released for the purpose. Dr. Puja Sakhalkar, Assistant Professor from the Department of Botany welcomed the gathering and gave a brief introduction about the importance of wetlands. 45 members comprising of students and faculty listened to the six speakers who presented their views about the importance, management and protection strategies for wetlands. The competition was judged by the College faculty members, Ms. Gladys D’Souza, Ms. Karen Braganza and Ms. Jolainne De Souza. Ms. Michelle Brenda Colaco from class S.Y.B.A. bagged the first place while Ms. Ashnia Dias from class S.Y.B.Sc. bagged the second place in the competition. The winners were awarded cash prizes. All the contestants were presented participation certificates.
