Wetlands, once considered wastelands and annihilated in large-scale land reclamation programmes, have now become the subject of international policy. This is due to a growing awareness of their role in mitigating climate change, combating droughts and protecting biodiversity. Wetlands are affected by many of the EU’s climate and nature conservation policy commitments. Their fulfilment requires a fundamental change in the existing drainage-based management of these areas. On the occasion of World Wetlands Day, celebrated on 2 February, the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention, we provide key facts about the environmental importance of wetlands, the consequences of their degradation and the expected methods for their protection and restoration.