Every year World Wetlands Day is celebrated around the world on February 2nd. This year’s theme is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The global campaign spotlights the timeless role of traditional knowledge in sustaining wetland ecosystems and preserving cultural identity.
Wetlands are incredibly valuable not only for the species that live and thrive there but for all living things on this planet. Wetlands are an integral part of God’s creation and protecting and preserving them for future generations is one of our callings at Living Coast Ministries.
Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General of CITES shared this important message about World Wetlands Day. “Wetlands are more than ecosystems, they are story keepers. They carry the traditions, practices and wisdom of communities who have lived alongside them since the beginning of time. This year’s theme, Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge, Celebrating Cultural Heritage, reminds us that conserving wetlands also means conserving the cultural identity woven into them.”
As we approach World Wetlands Day 2026, under the theme ‘Celebrating cultural heritage,’ we recognize the vital role wetlands play in preserving traditional wisdom and practices, sustaining biodiversity, climate resilience and water security. It is time to reaffirm our commitment to protecting these essential ecosystems. Wetlands are not just natural resources—they are foundational to our shared future. Let’s come together to protect and restore them, ensuring their benefits for generations to come.
Harbor Christian Church has established Living Coast Ministry to focus on the interconnection between the natural marine world and the divine. The Living Coast Theologians we host enjoy a week-long summer residential program at Harbor Christian Church in Newport Beach, California. Harbor is located just across the street from the Upper Newport Back Bay. Being located in coastal Southern California gives us access to many wild places that most people never have the opportunity to experience. Living Coast Ministry at Harbor supports participants in visiting these natural wonders while helping to develop an ecological spirituality.
What do we mean by ecological spirituality? Throughout the week, each group enjoys hands-on experiences that deeply connect them to the surrounding ocean and shoreline ecology. Each evening participants are led in discussions, sacred experiences and activities that support them in crafting their unique ecological lens on spirituality. In other words, Living Coast Ministry brings together real world experience and the sacred, allowing participants to ask new questions of their faith and to open to more expansive experiences of the divine.
We love the opportunity to host youth groups and their chaperones from all over the country. To date we have hosted groups from Minnesota, Colorado, Kentucky and Maryland as well as local groups from Southern California. Our Living Coast Ministry team would love to hear from and potentially host you and your group. If you would like more information on Living Coast Ministry in Newport Beach please click the following link.
