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Cagliari, 10 February 2026 – World Wetlands Day celebrations continue across Sardinia, coordinated by the MEDSEA Foundation. In 2026—marking the 55th anniversary of the Ramsar Convention—Sardinia once again takes centre stage with a programme that brings together environmental protection, local traditions and cultural heritage.

Following the first appointments earlier in the month, partly affected by bad weather across the island, the programme is now ready to move into its busiest phase. Starting this weekend, from Saturday 14 February, residents and visitors will finally be able to enjoy a full range of unique experiences—from traditional weaving and archaeology to guided nature walks in the open air.

“Wetlands are not only extraordinary ecosystems rich in biodiversity—they are living archives of our history and identity,” said Manuela Puddu, Head of the Sardinia Wetlands Programme at MEDSEA Foundation. “In Sardinia, ponds, lagoons, lakes, rivers and peatlands tell the story of a deep bond between nature and communities. With World Wetlands Day 2026, we want to bring these places back into the spotlight, as landscapes to discover, protect and experience.”

The Programme: Events Across Sardinia

The World Wetlands Day 2026 calendar will run from 14 February to 1 March, with activities taking place in several areas of the island. In the Oristano area - between Marceddì, Cabras, Sinis and Arborea - the programme includes nature walks, sunrise activities, workshops inspired by local traditions, exhibitions and special openings, with a focus on the link between biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage.

In southern Sardinia, events will be held across Villasimius, Cagliari, Santa Gilla, Assemini and Iglesias, featuring eco-days, guided tours in lagoons and salt pans, family workshops and routes through wetlands, dunes and former mining landscapes.

The central and northern parts of the island are also involved, with outdoor experiences between Dorgali, Osala and Orosei, including trekking, e-bike tours and opportunities to discover local wildlife and traditional products.

THE PROGRAMME: WEAVING, ARCHAEOLOGY AND NATURE

ORISTANO AREA: WEAVING TRADITIONS, PHOTOGRAPHY AND WELL-BEING

The beating heart of Sardinia’s lagoon traditions can be found in the Oristano area, where fishing culture blends with craftsmanship.

The programme begins on 2 February in Arborea, where environmental education meets younger generations. At the Ex GIL, the event “Discovering Wetlands” will take place: an educational game designed for primary schools, created and organised by environmental guide Manuela Fa, in collaboration with MEDSEA, the Municipality of Arborea and Arrubia Pescatori Sant’Andrea.

The calendar continues by combining culture and the environment:

• Marceddì and Terralba: Torre Vecchia will open exceptionally on 1, 7, 8, 14, 21 February and 1 March, hosting the photography exhibition “Shared Nature”. On 14 February, the village will host “Community and Weaving in the Lagoon”, an exclusive workshop on the ancient weaving technique led by artisan Rosalba Piras, followed by a talk on contemporary design.
• Nature & Photography: On 1 February, a field outing with Lipu Oristano for birdwatching in Arborea; on 7 February, a botanical walk and herbal workshop dedicated to Sardinian medicinal plants led by Emanuela Guggeri. For photography enthusiasts, “Photographing the Lagoon at Dawn” will take place on 8 February at sunrise with AFNI Sardegna.
• Traditions & Local Flavours: On 8 February in Arborea, the event “Fishing Weaves” features a walk through the pine forest towards the S’Ena Arrubia lagoon, followed by a shared lunch at a food truck. Visitors can also join fishpond tours with tastings at Corru Mannu (7 and 28 February) and guided experiences with the “Barefoot Fishermen” in Cabras (14 February), organised by Alea Ricerca e Ambiente.

CAGLIARI AND QUARTU: ANCIENT HISTORY, LIVING MUSEUMS AND INNOVATION

The metropolitan area offers a journey through time—from the Neolithic era to the future of environmental management.

• Santa Gilla Lagoon: The MuLag (Lagoon Museum) will host innovative activities, from the educational escape room “Saving the Lagoon” (8 February), to family activities “The Lagoon You Don’t Expect” (15 February), and the birdwatching event “Curious Eyes” (22 February). Starting 1 February, visitors can also join guided tours of the Neolithic archaeological site, exploring the earliest human settlements in the Gulf of Cagliari.
• Saline Conti Vecchi (FAI): From 14 February, visits will resume at the FAI site in Assemini, including a train tour through the salt pans and the historic 1930s buildings.
• Molentargius: 6 February marks a historic date for the park, with the inauguration of its first bio-lake, a key intervention aimed at controlling invasive species and protecting biodiversity.

NORTHERN AND CENTRAL SARDINIA: FLAVOURS AND LANDSCAPES

• Osala (Dorgali): Every Saturday in February, Blue & Green Best offers a walk through the Osala wetland area, combining trekking with a tasting of the highly prized local bottarga.

Activities for Everyone. The 2026 calendar confirms the inclusive spirit of the initiative, with events ranging from community clean-up days and creative Carnival workshops inspired by local birdlife, to special openings of historic sites such as the coastal towers overlooking the wetlands.

Info and Full Programme

All events, specific dates and booking details for World Wetlands Day 2026 are available and regularly updated on medseafoundation.org.

(Dates and times may be subject to change. MEDSEA is not responsible for any modifications; please contact the organisers listed under the “Info” section of each event for confirmation.)