Don´t miss World Wetlands Day! Join us to protect the marshes

February the 1st is World Wetlands Day, a very important event we celebrate every year. We invite you to spend the day with us and help spread the wetland conservation message. Entry to the center will be free from 11:00 to 17:00 and, weather permitting, we will be holding a bird ringing session from 10:00 to 12:00. No reservations are required for the event so come along! Nature has many delights in store.

Recently we have been visited by a stunning goshawk and also an unidentified osprey so chances are there will be similar sightings on February 1st.

Throughout the winter months the Urdaibai wetlands have provided a safe haven for thousands of birds. 8 flamingoes continue to enjoy the peace in Orueta, in addition to flocks of widgeon, teal and pintails. Every evening over 200 cattle egrets return to the marsh to roost in their favourite tree. Cormorants are out fishing in all weather and lapwings stud the landscape like tiny jewels...the list of treasures that inhabit this winter wonderland is long.

However, its not just the birds and wildlife that benefit from wetland habitats. It is humans too. Do you not have a special memory of a day spent walking with your friends or family in the wetland ?

Whether we are old or young, being in wetlands connects us with nature. They provide us with a sense of belonging and connect us with the past. At the heart of the Biosphere Reserve, the Urdaibai wetland is part of Basque culture and identity.
World Wetlands Day 2026 explores the deep-rooted connections between wetlands and cultural practices, traditions and knowledge systems of communities across the world.

This year's theme is "Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage." The global campaign spotlights the timeless role of traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems and preserving cultural identity.

Nearly 90% of the world's wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s, and we are losing wetlands three times faster than forests. Celebrating World wetlands Day every year is essential to raise national and global awareness about these hábitats and their fragility.

By joining together we can reverse their rapid loss and encourage actions to conserve and restore them.

So let´'s get together to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these marvellous habitats and the incredible wildlife that inhabits them.