India commemorates World Wetlands Day on February 2, 2024 by highlighting its 80 newly-awarded Ramsar sites, showcasing how these essential ecosystems play a crucial role in sustaining human well-being. Rice grown in wetland paddies contributes to 20% of the world's food production and serves as a staple for 3 billion people, while also providing a natural barrier to the impacts of extreme weather events. The FAO is actively promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of wetlands, addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and competing demands.