The preservation of wetlands stands as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Since the 1700s, nearly 90% of the world’s wetlands have been lost, with their disappearance occurring three times faster than that of forests. These ecosystems, often undervalued, are prime hubs of biodiversity, climate regulation and cultural heritage. As World Wetlands Day 2025 was observed on Sunday, this year’s theme was “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future.” Celebrated annually on February 2, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness of the vital role of wetlands for people, nature and culture. The Kashmir Valley is home to a network of wetlands that serve as habitats for migratory birds, natural water filters and buffers against flooding. Among these, Hokersar and Wular stand out as ecological gems, though they face mounting threats from urbanization, pollution and encroachment. In recent years, prolonged rainfall deficits have led to low water levels at Hokersar Wetland, disrupting the seasonal arrival of migratory bird populations. As the last remaining site in Kashmir with intact reedbeds, Hokersar serves as a vital corridor for 68 waterfowl species, including the Large Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Little Cormorant, Common Shelduck, Tufted Duck, and the endangered White-eyed Pochard. Recognized as the ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir’ and designated a Ramsar site, Hokersar is situated in Srinagar outskirts. Globally, 2,529 wetlands hold Ramsar status, with India contributing 89 sites to this network, the highest in Asia and third globally after the United Kingdom (176 sites) and Mexico (144). Over the last decade, India’s Ramsar sites have surged from 26 to 89, with nearly half of these additions occurring in the past three years, reflecting growing recognition of wetland conservation’s ecological urgency. The 2025 World Wetlands Day celebrations in Kashmir, organized by local authorities and conservation bodies, aimed to confront these challenges through a blend of activism, education, and community engagement. Central to the celebrations was a multi-stakeholder discussion uniting government officials, academics, journalists, and conservationists. The dialogue confronted the complex realities of wetland degradation, emphasizing the need for cohesive policies that balance ecological preservation with human needs. Art and nature converged in a photography competition that invited birdwatchers and photographers to capture the ethereal beauty of Kashmir’s wetlands. Similarly, an oath-taking ceremony led by a conservationist united participants in a solemn pledge to reject pollution and embrace eco-friendly practices. These steps are welcome but a lot more needs to be done to preserve the wetlands. The challenges faced by Kashmir’s wetlands, from siltation in Wular Lake to the shrinking margins of Hokersar, mirror global struggles of wetland conservation. Sustainable management requires not only sporadic cleanups but systemic changes in waste management, agricultural practices, and urban planning. The true test lies in maintaining the momentum generated by World Wetlands Day, ensuring that the energy of volunteers and policymakers translates into long-term strategies. In Kashmir, wetlands are more than ecological assets as they support livelihoods through fishing and agriculture. Therefore, preserving wetlands of Kashmir is the duty of all, especially the policy makers.