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In Sardinia, World Wetlands Day lasts far longer than just 24 hours. Once again this year, the 2 February celebration expands into a rich calendar of events coordinated by the MEDSEA Foundation: from 2 to 28 February 2026, the island will shine a spotlight on its remarkable wetland landscapes.

The 2026 edition carries special significance, marking both the 55th anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention (1971) and the 50th anniversary of its ratification in Italy (1976). This milestone is particularly meaningful for Sardinia: in that same year, the S’Ena Arrubia lagoon was among the very first sites in Italy to receive international recognition.

Half a century later, Sardinia continues to play a leading role. With nine Ramsar sites and 17% of Italy’s total Ramsar-designated area, the region stands out as a key Mediterranean stronghold for biodiversity conservation.

This year’s message also evolves, linking the protection of biodiversity with the deep cultural and historical connection that Sardinians share with their lagoons and wetlands.

Full Programme

All events, specific dates and booking details for World Wetlands Day 2026 are available and regularly updated on the MEDSEA website.

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 e Programma Completo

Tutti gli eventi, le date specifiche e le modalità di prenotazione del World Wetlands Day 2026 sono disponibili e costantemente aggiornati sul sito medseafoundation.org

(Date e orari potrebbero subire variazioni di cui MEDSEA non e’ responsabile, contattare per conferma ai riferimenti alla voce ‘Info’ di ogni evento)