In support of wetlands as important and sensitive natural habitats that provide essential services to various living organisms, especially humans, a celebration of World Wetlands Day was held on Wednesday, 7 February 2018 (the day is officially observed on 2 February each year).

The event took place in the Department of Zoology Hall, Faculty of Science – University of Tripoli, organized in collaboration with the Department of Zoology, the Libyan Society for Birds, and the Libyan Wildlife Trust. The program included an opening speech introducing the occasion, followed by a scientific lecture on wetlands and the threats they face, presented by Mr. Mokhtar Moussa.

On the sidelines of the celebration, a prominent environmental figure was honored: the late Engineer Wagih Basha Imam, former president of the Libyan Society for Birds, in recognition of his lifelong contributions to bird protection, attended by his family.

Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Libyan Society for Birds and the Libyan Wildlife Trust to establish a bird observatory named after Engineer Wagih Basha Imam, honoring his major contributions to bird conservation throughout his life.

The event concluded with thanks extended to guests from the General Environmental Authority, university faculty members from the departments of botany and zoology, representatives of civil society organizations, and the family of the late Engineer Imam. Special appreciation was given to the students of the Department of Zoology and the organizing committee for their efforts in making the event a success.