Celebrate World Wetlands Day in Hawaii – 2/2/08

You are invited to help celebrate World Wetlands Day. Learn why Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex in Kailua, Oahu was designated a Ramsar Site in February 2005. On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2008 we will celebrate World Wetlands Day at Le Jardin Academy from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be exhibits, speakers, events for the kids, free tours to Na Pohaku o Hauwahine, Kawainui Neighborhood Park garden, Hamakua wetland and Ulupo Heiau State Historic complex. See what may happen to restore Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex, learn about the wildlife, and native plant restoration projects and how you can get involved in helping to malama this cherished area. The event is free. Sacred to Hawaiians, Kawainui Marsh is the largest remaining emergent wetland in Hawai‘i and the state’s largest ancient freshwater fishpond. Located in the center of the caldera of the Ko‘olau shield volcan., the marsh today provides primary habitat for four of Hawaii’s endemic and endangered waterbirds. The marsh stores surface water and provides flood protection for Kailua town.Hamakua Marsh is a smaller wetland that is historically connected to the adjacent Kawainui Marsh. Is also provides significant habitat for Hawaii’s endangered waterbirds.Fostering worldwide wetland conservation is the primary goal of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. First signed in 1971, this international treaty promotes conservation activities that also incorporate human use. Participation in the Convention brings nations together to improve wetland management for the benefit of people and wildlife and promote biological diversity.  See:  www.ramsar.org  and,  www.ramsarcommittee.usThere are more than 1,600 Ramsar designated sites in over 150 countries, including 22 sites in the U.S. Many of these sites are National Wildlife Refuges (NWR). Kawainui and Hamakua Marsh Complex is the only current Ramsar site in Hawaii.