Delivering the Ramsar Convention in NSWThe Ramsar Convention’s Programme on Communication,...

Delivering the Ramsar Convention in NSWResponsibilities and roles of stakeholders in managing Ramsar wetlands in NSW

Published by:

Department of Environment and Conservation NSW 59–61 Goulburn Street PO Box A290 Sydney South 1232

Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks information and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723

Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ISBN 1 74137 904 0 DEC 2006/213 October 2006

Printed on recycled paper

This material may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided the meaning is unchanged and the source is acknowledged.

Cover photo: Nardoo floating fern at Lake Pinaroo Ramsar site/DEC

Contents

Introduction2

1 TheRamsarConvention 3

2 RolesandresponsibilitiesinmanagingRamsarwetlands 62.1 Ramsar Convention 6

2.2 Australian Government 6

2.3 NSW Government 72.3.1 Department of Environment and Conservation NSW 72.3.2 Department of Natural Resources 92.3.3 Department of Primary Industries 92.3.4 Department of Lands 102.3.5 State Water 11

2.4 Catchment Management Authorities 11

2.5 Loovernment 12

2.6 Land managers 122.6.1 NSW Ramsar Managers Network 13

2.7 Traditional owners 13

2.8 Non-government organisations 14 Case Study: Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia 15

Appendices1 Government Ramsar contacts 16

1.1 Australian Government 161.2 NSW Government 17

2 Guidance documents adopted by meetings of the Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention (CoPs) 18

3 The Ramsar Convention definition of ‘wise use’ 21

4 Bibliography 23

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Delivering the Ramsar Convention in NSW

Introduction

In NSW a diverse range of stakeholders use land-use planning and work cooperatively to promote the wise use of wetlands and implement the Ramsar Convention.

Conservation and site management are key elements, as is honouring Australia’s commitment to nominate significant, relevant wetlands for inclusion in the List of wetlands of international importance (Ramsar List). After being listed, wetlands need to be managed to ensure their special ecological values are maintained or improved. This document aims to assist private and trust-based Ramsar managers understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining the values of their respective sites, as well as the roles and responsibilities of governments and non-government agencies.

The Department of Environment and Conservation NSW (DEC) has also produced the NSW Ramsar plan 2006–09: a plan for the protection and wise use of Ramsar wetlands in NSW. The plan provides a framework and guidance for the nomination of new sites and objectives and proposed actions for new and existing sites, as well as promoting partnerships and encourage greater understanding of the Ramsar Convention.

This document provides additional guidance with regard to the individual site-management principles, roles and responsibilities identified in each memorandum of understanding negotiated between non-government Ramsar site owners in NSW and the Australian and NSW governments. The guidance contained in these pages is consistent with legislation and resource management processes in NSW at the time of writing.

Macquarie Marshes Ramsar Site

DEC

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1 TheRamsarConvention

The Ramsar Convention (Convention on wetlands of international importance; Ramsar, Iran, 1971) aims to halt the degradation, and ultimate loss, of wetlands worldwide and to manage them through the adoption of ‘wise use’ principles. Australia signed the convention in 1975, becoming one of the first contracting parties, who agree to: • designate at least one site that met Ramsar criteria to the convention’s List of wetlands

of international importance (Ramsar List)• maintain the ecological character of listed Ramsar sites through conservation and wise

use• promote the wise use of all wetlands within their borders through national land use

planning, conservation and management• promote training in wetland research, management and wise use• consult with other contracting parties about implementing the convention.

‘Wise use’ is defined in Ramsar information paper No.7 as ‘sustainable utilisation for the benefit of humankind in a way that is compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem’.

The guidelines that have been agreed to by conferences of contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention are mainly aimed at helping countries establish a strategic framework for managing their wetlands (Appendix 1) but can also be used to help identify significant wetlands for nomination to the Ramsar List.

As of September 2006, 64 Australian wetlands – including 11 in NSW – had been designated to the Ramsar List (see below).

Lake Pinaroo Ramsar Site

Narran Lake Nature ReserveRamsar Site

Gwydir Wetlands Ramsar Site

Little Llangothlin Nature ReserveRamsar Site

Myall Lakes WetlandRamsar Site

Hunter Estuary WetlandsRamsar Site

Towra Point Nature ReserveRamsar Site

Blue Lake Ramsar Site

NSW Central Murray State ForestsRamsar Site

Fivebough and Tuckerbil SwampsRamsar Site

Macquarie MashesRamsar Site

Figure 1: Ramsar wetlands in NSW

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The Ramsar Convention’s Programme on Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) 2003–2008 was established in Valencia, Spain, at the 8th Meeting of the Conference of Contracting Parties, to help countries meet their obligations under the convention.

Successful partnership and communications between the Australian and NSW governments, private land managers and non-government organisations (NGOs) greatly enhances NSW’s capacity to protect Ramsar sites, support the wise use of all wetlands, and uphold Australia’s commitments under the convention.

This document recognises the importance of that partnership. It has been prepared by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) through a consultative process with the Ramsar managers in NSW.

Figure 2 (opposite) outlines the link between the International Ramsar Convention Secretariat and the day-to-day workings of private Ramsar managers in NSW. It is a unique relationship, based on the common goal of wise use of wetlands.

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Contracting parties arecountries

thathaveagreedtoimplementtheRamsar

Convention.Australiaisjustoneofmany

signatorynationsworldwide.

Australian Government Minister for Environment and Heritage hasresponsibility

for regulationandmanagementof

RamsarwetlandsinAustralia(underthe

Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999).TheDepartment

ofEnvironmentandHeritage(DEH)

hastheleadrolewithinAustraliafor

implementingtheRamsarConvention.

Ramsar Convention Secretariat providesadviceandguidelinesformanaging

Ramsarwetlands(ResolutionVIII.14).

Wetlands and waterbirds taskforce advisestheNRMMConkey

issues.DECrepresentsNSW;

theDepartmentofNatural

Resourcesisanobserver.

Department of Environment and

Conservation NSW istheleadagencyforimplementing

theRamsarConventioninNSW,

asoutlinedinthebilateralagreementagreement

signedbetweentheAustralianandNSW

governmentsinAugust2003thatgoverns

deliveryinNSWoftheextensionofthe

NaturalHeritageTrustandthe

National action plan for salinity

and water quality.

NSW Ramsar Managers Network providessupporttoRamsar

sitemanagers,aswellas

linkstoothergovernments

inAustraliaforinformation

about,forexample,issuesand

fundingopportunities.

Ramsar managers in NSWhaveday-to-day

responsibilityfortheirsites,

includingadministeringsite

managementplans.

Figure 2: Inter-relationships of key stakeholders in Ramsar site management – a global to local perspective

Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council(NRMMC)considers

high-levelpolicyissues.Thecouncil’smembersare

relevantministersfromallAustraliangovernments,

includingtheNSWMinisterfortheEnvironment.

International

Australian

NSW

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2 RolesandresponsibilitiesinmanagingRamsarwetlands

Any wetlands designated to the prestigious Ramsar List benefits from the Australian Government’s consequent obligation to take all steps necessary to maintain its ecological character. In the case of privately owned lands, the landowner or owners are expected to balance their own needs and expectations of their property against the Ramsar requirement of preserving its ecological character. The Australian Government has legislation that supports its role in ensuring the ecological character of the Ramsar-listed wetlands is maintained.

The key stakeholders and their roles and responsibilities in managing Ramsar wetlands are identified below. Section 2.3 is a summary of the main state-government processes that are available to assist Ramsar wetlands owners with various aspects of management. However, these tools apply to all wetlands across NSW whether or not they are Ramsar listed.

2.1 RamsarConvention

After signing the Ramsar Convention, national governments send delegates to the regular triennial meetings of the Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention (CoP) to discuss policy issues, report on their activities, and set the agenda and priorities for the next three years. The Ramsar Secretariat provides administrative services and advice to the CoP about implementing the convention. In Australia, information and programs from CoP meetings are interpreted and implemented by the Australian Government.

2.2 AustralianGovernment

The Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) has the lead role in implementing the Ramsar Convention in Australia. It is the point of contact for the Ramsar Secretariat and acts as an administrator and communication hub for state and territory governments in meeting Australia’s Ramsar obligations.

The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) includes representatives from each state and territory as well as the Australian and New Zealand governments. Its wetlands and waterbirds taskforce advises the NRMMC on ways to implement the Ramsar Convention and meet national targets by taking action at the state level.

Under the terms of the convention, the Australian Government must:• ensure a plan of management is prepared for each Ramsar nomination (under the

bilateral agreement between the Australian and NSW governments that delivers the extension of the Natural Heritage Trust and National action plan for salinity and water quality, the NSW Government has undertaken to do this for all NSW Ramsar sites).

• implement the provisions of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) that relate to issues which may have a significant impact on the ecological character of Ramsar wetlands

• provide advice on how best to mitigate changes to, or rehabilitate wetlands, and pass on that information to the Ramsar Secretariat where appropriate

• act as communication hub for public education and awareness about wetlands, and between the NSW Government and (vertically) the Ramsar Secretariat and (horizontally) other state and territory governments

• assist Ramsar landholders in identifying Australian Government funding opportunities to help them implement management plans and act to maintain the ecological character of their properties.

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The Australian Government may also choose to:• enter into agreements with stakeholders regarding the management of Ramsar sites on

private land• maintain Ramsar site information on behalf of site managers in the Australian

Wetlands Database (www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/index.html)• promote wetlands inventory, conservation and management as priorities for natural

resource management (NRM) and investment• incorporate these priorities into the NRM planning processes in partnership with all

stakeholders.

The EPBC Act specifies that the Australian Government Environment Minister must review any development likely to have a significant impact on a wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention.

Likewise anyone wishing to take actions likely to have a significant impact on a Ramsar wetland needs to inform DEH of their plans. DEH will review the submission and advise the proponent within 20 days if the plans must undergo a formal impact assessment. If no assessment is required, the action can proceed. If assessment is required, approval for the development may still be given, with or without conditions.

Because the EPBC Act operates separately from NSW environmental legislation, proposals involving wetlands may also need to satisfy state laws in relation to possible impacts.

2.3 NSWGovernment

Ramsar recognition of a wetland clearly indicates it is a high-conservation asset worthy of special attention. While the NSW State Government is not legally compelled to give particular consideration to Ramsar site management, in practice – and within existing state processes – this generally occurs.

Below are the details of services provided by NSW government departments to help maintain the ecological character of the state’s Ramsar sites.

�.�.1 DepartmentofEnvironmentandConservationNSW

Within NSW, the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is the principal agency responsible for implementing the Ramsar Convention.

DEC, which belongs to the Australian Wetlands Information Network, provides information and advice to Ramsar land managers and community groups about how to nominate and manage Ramsar wetlands. It may also help compile or review technical reports and promotional material relating to Ramsar values and sites in NSW.

As well as managing Ramsar sites that are on DEC estate, the department:• protects wetland-related biodiversity and threatened species through administering the

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995• provides technical advice and guidance in preparing plans of management for

Ramsar-listed wetlands• works with Aboriginal communities and other agencies to support the involvement of

Aboriginal people in the management of their traditional lands, waters and natural resources

• takes part in regular reporting to the Ramsar Secretariat about the implementation of the convention in NSW, including site management

• reports to the National Resources Commission on progress towards wetland targets.

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DEC may also choose to:• coordinate descriptions of the ecological character of any Ramsar wetland in NSW

and report any changes to the Australian Government• promote community and government-agency education and awareness about wetland

management and protection

• raise public and government awareness of the Ramsar Convention, its principles and the significance of wetland values in general.

DEC

Towra Point Nature Reserve Ramsar Site

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�.�.� DepartmentofNaturalResources

The NSW Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plays an important role in natural resource planning and regulation, which will determine the long-term sustainability of NSW wetlands. DNR has the lead role in implementing the NSW Wetland Management Policy 1996 (the over-arching document that guides the protection and management of wetlands in NSW), and statutory responsibility for implementing the Water Management Act 2000 and Native Vegetation Act 2003. Through implementing these statutory obligations, DNR aims to:• provide water for fundamental ecosystem health as first priority • ensure minimal harm to wetlands when issuing water licenses and approvals for

proposed water uses, including water-management work, controlled activities and aquifer interference

• use water management plans (WMPs) to restore water sources and their dependent ecosystems

• monitor the performance of WMPs in rehabilitating wetland health• implement natural-resource-management policies and legislation to protect wetlands

including the Native Vegetation Act 2003, NSW Wetland Management Policy 1996 and State Environmental Planning Policy 14 – coastal wetlands (SEPP 14).

DNR may also choose to:• produce and disseminate wetland management guidelines and advice that promote

the wise use of wetlands• undertake estuary and floodplain management planning that involve protection and

wise use of wetlands in general, and Ramsar-listed wetlands in particular • work with stakeholders to ensure that water infrastructure such as dams, weirs and

levee banks, maintains or improves the ecological character of wetlands

�.�.� DepartmentofPrimaryIndustries

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is divided into three sections, which separately administer fisheries, the state’s forests and agriculture. Each section has a different focus regarding wetlands.

Fisheries: DPI has a number of statutory responsibilities relating to aquatic habitats and animals in NSW. These include:• implementing the requirements of the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the Policy

and guidelines on aquatic habitat management and fish conservation 1999, which relate to the protection of wetlands as fish habitat

• remediating weirs, levee banks and other water infrastructure in cooperation with other stakeholders, to ensure free passage of fish to wetlands.

DPI also provides educational information promoting the role of wetlands as fish habitats, and assists with the rehabilitation of the ecological characteristics of wetlands as part of the Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Program. They also work closely with other departments to ensure that resource management decisions support wetland function and protection.

Forests: Under the Forestry Act 1916, DPI’s public-trading enterprise Forests NSW administers all state forests. As a consequence, Forests NSW is land manager of NSW’s largest Ramsar wetlands, the 84,000ha Central Murray State Forests (CMSF) Ramsar site. Forests NSW must, in relation to CMSF, fulfil the roles and responsibilities of any Ramsar land manager (see section 2.6, page 12).

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Agriculture: Consistent with its role in promoting production systems that encourage and enhance all aspects of biodiversity, the agricultural arm of DPI may work with landholders to improve or maintain practices that reduce impacts to all wetlands, including Ramsar wetlands.

�.�.� DepartmentofLands

The Crown Lands Act 1989 and the Crown Lands (Continued Tenures) Act 1989 delegate responsibility for managing of Crown Lands to the NSW Department of Lands. Where Crown Land has been delegated to the Ramsar Convention, the department has the roles and responsibilities that are common to all Ramsar land managers (see section 2.6, page 12).

The Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps Ramsar Site is Crown Land. The Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands Management Trust is an incorporated body comprising representatives from Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists Inc.; NSW Department Natural Resources; NSW Department of Lands; Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Leeton Shire Council; Department of Environment and Conservation NSW; Murrumbidgee Horticulture Council; Charles Sturt University Institute for Land, Water and Society; Leeton Tourism; Leeton & District Aboriginal Land Council and Department of the Environment and Heritage. The trust provides advice about management of the wetlands to the Department of Lands, and performs some of the actions set down in the management plan. The trust also liaises with the lessees of the two sites about their management activities, as specified in the conditions of each lease.

Myall Lakes Ramsar Site

DEC

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�.�.� StateWater

The State Water corporation and DEC signed a memorandum of understanding in November 2005 in which they agreed to work together to achieve the targets developed by the Natural Resources Commission, as well as specific environmental objectives affected by both agencies, for example, improved water quality and environmental flows.

2.4 CatchmentManagementAuthorities

NSW has 13 Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs), which carry out or fund activities in accordance with the NSW Catchment Management Authorities Act 2003. CMAs aim to engage regional communities in the key natural-resource-management issues facing their catchment. Their responsibilities include:• developing catchment action plans and associated investment strategies in

consultation with government and catchment communities• recommending and managing incentive programs to implement catchment action

plans and maximise environmental outcomes• assisting landholders to further the objectives of its catchment action plan (including

providing data and funding assistance for property vegetation planning)• providing education and training courses and materials in connection with natural

resource management.

State and Australian Government guidelines have been developed for the three-year investment strategy associated with the bilateral agreement for delivery of the extension of the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) and the National action plan for salinity and water quality (NAP). After regional assets have been identified, along with their threats and values, the guidelines specify that investment should be directed first towards activities that ‘protect and manage places and values of state and national environmental significance’, including those that ‘manage threats and prevent degradation to Ramsar Wetlands’, and ‘manage habitat of listed migratory species (species include sea turtles and migratory water birds)’. This means an individual CMA (or a consortium of CMAs) can join forces with a Ramsar land manager to apply for NAP/NHT funding for projects that support wise use of the wetlands (such as activities covered by the site management plan).

The Natural Resources Commission’s statewide target for NSW wetlands – which has been adopted by every NSW CMA subject to local circumstances and their catchment management plan – is that the extent of important wetlands will have been maintained by 2015, and their conditions improved.

CMAs are responsible for assessing whether clearing proposals meet the requirements of the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and are required by law to use the property vegetation plan (PVP) software invented by the NSW Department of Natural resources to help decide whether to approve a clearing application. Under the water-quality tool, the software uses riparian buffers as a measure of the value of native vegetation in protecting water quality. Riparian buffer distances reflect the many ways in which riverbank vegetation improves water quality, bank stability, salinity, aquatic habitats (including shade and food sources), and terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.

A national monitoring and evaluation framework was established by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council to help assess the nation’s land, water and biological resources and the performance of government programs, strategies and policies under NAP/NHT. Under the framework, each of Australia’s 56 NRM regions is required to monitor and evaluate trends in the conditions of its resources, including wetlands.

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2.5 Localgovernment

Environmental management is increasingly a core function for local councils. As well as undertaking specific environmental programs such as stormwater improvement, waste education and biodiversity protection, councils are beginning to incorporate environmental considerations into their traditional responsibilities such as road maintenance, garbage collection, libraries and subsidised childcare.

Local governments can influence planning in and around Ramsar wetlands through provisions of the NSW Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979. They can help other agencies in establishing adequate buffers around a wetland, and controlling development on the site itself using the regulations of SEPP 14, or local planning instruments. As well, local governments can play a key role in encouraging wetland-sensitive development within their respective boundaries and in educating their communities about the values of wetlands.

As mentioned in section 2.3.4, Leeton Shire Council is a member of the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands Management Trust.

2.6 Landmanagers

Managers of Ramsar sites in NSW include:• private land owners (Gwydir Wetlands and Macquarie Marshes)• community entities (Hunter Estuary Wetlands)• trusts (Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps)• government departments.

The primary role and responsibility of the land manager of a Ramsar wetland is to manage the site in a manner consistent with the wise use principles of the Ramsar Convention, maintaining the ecological character of their wetland (as determined during the nomination process) to the best of their ability.

Detailing the ecological character of a wetland includes identifying its significant features and describing its existing use(s), for example, grazing or stormwater treatment. Such uses will be allowed to continue if they were pre-existing, have no effect on the site’s capacity to meet nomination criteria, and are carried out in a sustainable manner. Any new use, or significant change to land management needs to be referred to the Australian Government for assessment under the EPBC Act and, if it could trigger NSW legislation, to the NSW Government as well.

When a land manager consents to their site’s designation to the Ramsar List and agrees to manage it to maintain its ecological character, they must agree to:• develop and implement a Ramsar site management plan. Developing a site

management plan is a requirement under the EPBC Act. Australian and NSW government departments, DEH and DEC respectively, can provide assistance. Responsible management of a Ramsar site generally includes:۞ notifying the Australian Government of any actions on- or off-site that may

have a significant impact on the ecological character of the wetlands۞ notifying appropriate NSW government agencies of natural resource issues that

may affect the health and management of the wetland

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۞ seeking any guidance and assistance that may be needed in managing and representing the needs of the wetlands

۞ informing the Australian Government of any intention to transfer ownership or otherwise sell the land on which the wetland is situated

۞ notifying future land managers of the property’s Ramsar status, should the property be sold or otherwise change ownership.

• monitor the ecological character of the site. This is an obligation under the Ramsar Convention and forms part of each Ramsar site management plan, although neither the resources that must be allocated nor a strategic framework for monitoring in NSW had been defined as of September 2006.

The Ramsar land manager may also choose to:• promote the Ramsar values of their site. Managers are encouraged to:

۞ impart knowledge and experience in Ramsar wetland management to other land managers on request

۞ when necessary, actively represent the needs of the Ramsar wetland to government and community members, catchment authorities and others.

�.�.1 NSWRamsarManagersNetwork

Managers of Ramsar-listed wetlands in NSW are represented by the NSW Ramsar Managers Network (RMN), which comprises representatives from:

• private and community Ramsar site managers• Department of Environment and Conservation NSW • NSW Department of Primary Industries• Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage • WWF Australia • NSW Department of Natural Resources.

The RMN was created in September 2003 by the NSW Minister for the Environment to support the commitment made by private Ramsar managers to conservation.

The main goals of the network are to develop solutions to management issues and provide a link to government and relevant resources. Coordination of the network was initially funded by DEC until June 2007.

2.7 Traditionalowners

The 8th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Ramsar Convention (CoP) passed a resolution that recognised the need to include indigenous people in Ramsar management planning and acknowledge indigenous cultural and spiritual values in the Ramsar Information Sheet published for each designated wetlands. This was reiterated and reinforced in a separate resolution at the following CoP.

Ramsar criteria for listing wetlands of international importance consider, in addition to relevant ecological values, whether a wetlands holds significant cultural values. Contracting parties are encouraged to incorporate cultural values in wetlands policies and strategies, as well as in wetlands management plans.

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In NSW, Aboriginal cultural resource use and access is an important example of the wise use of wetlands. It involves caring for Country and maintaining strong spiritual and cultural connections. Representatives of the Baakantji and Budjiti people have signed a memorandum of understanding with DEC recognising their input and commitment to the Paroo River wetlands Ramsar nomination and their involvement in the ongoing management of the site, once it is designated to the convention.

2.8 Non-governmentorganisations

Numerous non-government organisations (NGOs) are involved worldwide in promoting sustainable wetlands management. Below are some examples that apply in NSW.

• International: Wetlands International Oceania, World Wide Fund for Nature and BirdsLife International (All are partners to the Ramsar Convention and active participants in Ramsar processes in Australia.)

• Australian: National Parks Association of NSW, Wetlandcare Australia, Australian Wetlands Alliance, World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Nature Conservation Council of NSW

Timber Communities Australia, which promotes multiples use for forests and aims to ensure that ecologically unique forest areas are properly managed, is a stakeholder in the NSW Central Murray State Forests Ramsar Site.

The Australian Floodplain Association represents landholders (predominantly graziers) andAustralian Floodplain Association represents landholders (predominantly graziers) and communities, who rely on healthy, sustainably managed rivers, floodplains and wetlands.

DEC representatives have met several times with representatives of the Baakandji and Budjiti Peoples, traditional owners of the Paroo wetlands, to discuss aspects of the area’s nomination for Ramsar listing

DEC

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CaseStudy:HunterWetlandsCentreAustralia

Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia (HWCA) is a non-government organisation responsible for the management of Shortland Wetlands, within the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar Site. HWCA also contributes voluntarily to promoting the Ramsar Convention by:

• involving the local community in the sustainable management and wise use of Shortland Wetlands

• undertaking wetlands education activities and services at the local, state and national level in line with the Ramsar Convention’s communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) Program 2003–2008 to raise awareness of the Ramsar Convention, its principles and the significance of wetland values in general

• managing a demonstration site that promotes wetlands CEPA to benefit all wetlands

• promoting recreation and ecotourism activities at Shortland Wetlands, in line with wise use principles, to build awareness of wetland values.

HWCA is coordinator in Australia of Wetlands Link International and, in 2005, won the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for education. Its chairman, Christine Prietto, is Australia’s NGO focal point for CEPA and is a CEPA expert on the Ramsar scientific and technical review panel.

Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia celebrating the Ramsar Listing of Shortland Wetlands within Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar Site

Hunter W

etlands Centre Australia

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Appendix1 GovernmentRamsarcontacts

1.1 AustralianGovernment

General information from the Australian Government about Ramsar is available at the EPBC website (www.deh.gov.au/epbc/index.html). The site includes an interactive map and coordinate search (www.deh.gov.au/erin/ert/epbc/index.html) that provides information on ‘matters of national environmental significance’, including Ramsar wetlands.

Specific questions about Australia’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention or concerns that activities on or near a property are having an impact on a Ramsar site should be directed to the Department of the Environment and Heritage. Any action that is likely to have a significant impact on a Ramsar site requires referral under the EPBC Act unless it is the continuation of an already approved action under relevant state/territory legislation.

DepartmentoftheEnvironmentandHeritage

Toll-free: 1800 803 772Post: Department of the Environment and Heritage

GPO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601

EPBCWetlands

Assistant Director: Jeanette MuirheadPost: Wetlands Section Land, Water and Coasts DivisionWebsite: www.deh.go.au/water/wetlands Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6274 2231 Fax: 02 6274 2268

EPBCReferrals

Director: Steve Mercer Post: Referrals Section (EPBC Act) Approvals and Wildlife Division Website: www.deh.gov.au/epbc Email: [email protected] Fax: 02 6274 1789

Complianceandauditcontacts

Director: Di MeadPost: Compliance and Audit Section Approvals and Wildlife Division Website: www.deh.gov.au/epbc/compliance/index.html Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6274 1616 Fax: 02 6274 1878

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Ramsar

Director: Deb Callister Post: Wetlands Section Land, Water and Coasts Division Website: www.deh.gov.au/water/ wetlands/index.html Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6274 1955 Fax: 02 6274 2268

NHT/NAP investment programs

NRM team, NSW Rivercare facilitator: Sally HuntEmail: [email protected] Phone: 0428 874 846 Post: Area Consultative Committee PO Box 1612 Gosford NSW 2250

1.2 NSWGovernment

The Department of Environment and Conservation NSW is the lead agency in NSW for delivery of the Ramsar Convention. General information is available at its Ramsar wetlands website (www.ramsarwetlands.nsw.gov.au). Specific queries can be directed to the relevant person from the list below.

DepartmentoftheEnvironmentandConservation

RamsarPolicy officer: Alison Curtin Post: PO Box A290 South Sydney NSW 1232 Email: alison.curtin@environment. nsw.gov.au Phone: 02 9995 5492 Fax: 02 9995 5914

NSWDepartmentofNaturalResources

RamsarPolicy officer: John PattenPost: PO Box 3720 Parramatta NSW 2124 Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 9895 7555 Fax: 02 9895 7857

Assistant Director: Bruce Gray Post: Wetlands Section Land, Water and Coasts Division Website: www.deh.gov.au/water/ wetlands/index.html Email: [email protected] Phone: 02 6274 2526 Fax: 02 6274 2268

RamsarManagersNetworkCoordinator: Robyn Molsher Post: North West Branch

PO Box 2111 Dubbo NSW 2830Email: robyn.molsher@environment.

nsw.gov.au Phone: 02 6883 5338 Fax: 02 6884 9382

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Appendix2 GuidancedocumentsadoptedbymeetingsoftheConferenceofPartiestotheRamsarConvention(CoPs)

CommunicationeducationandpublicawarenessProgramme on communication, education and public awareness (CEPA) 2003–2008 of the Convention on Wetlands (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.31, Annex I; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_cepa_e.htm)

GroundwatermanagementGuidelines for the management of groundwater to maintain wetland ecological character (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex Cii; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_groundwater_e.htm)

IntegratedcoastalzonemanagementPrinciples and guidelines for incorporating wetland issues into integrated coastal zone management (ICZM)(CoP 8, Resolution VIII.4, Annex; www.ramsar.org/ key_guide_iczm_e.htm)

Internationalcooperation

Guidelines for international cooperation under the Ramsar Convention, (CoP 7, Resolution VII.19, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_cooperate.htm)

InventoryAn integrated framework for wetland inventory, assessment and monitoring (IF-WIAM) (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex E; www.ramsar.org/ key_guide_framework_inventory_e.htm)

A framework for wetland inventory (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.6; www.ramsar.org/ key_guide_inventory_e.htm)

LawsandinstitutionsGuidelines for reviewing laws and institutions to promote the conservation and wise use of wetlands (CoP 8, Resolution VII.7, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_laws_e.htm)

ManagementplanningNew guidelines for management planning for Ramsar sites and other wetlands (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.14, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_mgt_new_e.htm)

MontreuxGuidelines for operation of the Montreux record (CoP 6, Resolution VI.1, Annex, section 3; www.ramsar.org/key_mr_guide_e.htm)

Montreux record – questionnaire (CoP 6, Resolution VI.1, accompanying the Guidelines for operation of the Montreux record; www.ramsar.org/key_mr_question_e.htm)

NationalwetlandpoliciesGuidelines for developing and implementing national wetland policies (CoP 7, Resolution VII.6, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_nwp_e.htm)

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ParticipationinmanagementGuidelines for establishing and strengthening local communities’ and indigenous people’s participation in the management of wetlands (CoP 7, Resolution VII.8, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_indigenous.htm)

PeatlandsGuidelines for global action on peatlands (GAP) (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.17, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_peatlands_e.htm)

RamsarListStrategic framework and guidelines for the future development of the list of wetlands of international importance of the Convention on Wetlands, 3rd edition (as adopted by CoP 7, Resolution VII.11, and amended by resolutions CoP 7 VII.13, CoP 8 VIII.11 and VIII.33 and CoP 9 IX.1, Annexes A and B; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_list2006_e.htm)

Criteria for identifying wetlands of international importance (Annex C of Strategic framework and guidelines for the future development of the list of wetlands of international importance of the Convention on Wetlands, 3rd edition; www.ramsar.org/key_criteria.htm)

Guidance for the consideration of the deletion or restriction of the boundaries of a listed Ramsar site (CoP 9, Resolution IX.6, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_site_restrict_e.htm)

RapidassessmentGuidelines for the rapid assessment of inland, coastal and marine wetland biodiversity (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex Ei; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_rapidassessment_e.htm)

RestorationPrinciples and guidelines for wetland restoration (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.16, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_restoration_e.htm)

RiskassessmentWetland risk assessment framework (CoP 7, Resolution VII.10, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_risk_e.htm)

RiverbasinmanagementGuidelines for integrating wetland conservation and wise use into river basin management (CoP 7, Resolution VII.18, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_basin_e.htm)

River basin management: additional guidance and a framework for the analysis of case studies (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex Ci; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_riverbasins_e.htm)

SignsGuidance on signs for Ramsar sites (19th Meeting of the Ramsar Standing Committee, Decision 19.18, Gland 1996; www.ramsar.org/about/about_sitesigns.htm)

Under-representedwetlandtypesGuidance for identifying and designating peatlands, wet grasslands, mangroves and coral reefs as wetlands of international importance (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.11, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_under-represented_e.htm)

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WaterandwaterallocationAn integrated framework for the Ramsar Convention’s water-related guidance (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex C; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_framework_water_e.htm)

Guidelines for allocation and management of water for maintaining the ecological functions of wetlands (CoP 8, Resolution VIII.1, Annex; www.ramsar.org/ key_guide_allocation_e.htm)

WiseuseconceptA conceptual framework for the wise use of wetlands and the maintenance of their ecological character (CoP 9, Resolution IX.1, Annex A; www.ramsar.org/ key_guide_framework_wiseuse_e.htm)

Guidelines for the implementation of the wise use concept (CoP 4, Recommendation 4.10, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_wiseuse_e.htm)

Additional guidance for the implementation of the wise use concept (CoP 5, Resolution 5.6, Annex; www.ramsar.org/key_guide_wiseuse_add_e.htm)

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Appendix3 TheRamsarConventiondefinitionof‘wiseuse’

Under Article 3.1 of the convention, contracting parties agree to ‘formulate and implement their planning so as to promote the conservation of the wetlands included in the List, and as far as possible the wise use of wetlands in their territory’. Through this concept of ‘wise use’, which was pioneering when the convention was drafted, the convention continues to emphasise that human use on a sustainable basis is entirely compatible with Ramsar principles and wetland conservation in general. The Ramsar wise use concept applies to all wetlands and water resources in a contracting party’s territory, not only to those sites designated as wetlands of international importance. Its application is crucial to ensuring that wetlands can continue fully to deliver their vital role in supporting maintenance of biological diversity and human well-being.

As this term ‘wise use’ gained currency within the Ramsar community and was used elsewhere for different purposes, the Conference of the Parties recognised the need for greater precision and adopted the following definition at its third meeting, in Regina, Canada, in 1987:

The wise use of wetlands is their sustainable utilisation for the benefit of mankind in a way compatible with the maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem.

At the same time, ‘sustainable utilisation’ of a wetland was defined as:Human use of a wetland so that it may yield the greatest continuous benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.

‘Natural properties of the ecosystem’ were defined as:Those physical, chemical and biological components, such as soil, water, plants, animals and nutrients, and the interactions between them.

To assist the Parties in implementing the wise use concept, the Wise Use Working Group, established at Regina, developed Guidelines for the implementation of the wise use concept, which was adopted by CoP 4 in Montreux, Switzerland, in 1990.

Also at the fourth meeting, the Wise Use Project, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, was instituted, and an international panel of experts began work which culminated in the Additional guidance for the implementation of the wise use concept, adopted by CoP 5 in 1993, as well as the book of principles and case studies entitled Towards the wise use of wetlands, edited by TJ Davis (Ramsar, 1993).

The Ramsar Strategic Plan 1997–2002, which was adopted by CoP 6, in Brisbane in 1996, states that the contracting parties consider the term ‘wise use’ to be synonymous with ‘sustainable use’ and goes on to observe that:

through this concept of ‘wise use’, the Convention has always emphasised that human usage on a sustainable basis is entirely compatible with Ramsar listing and wetland conservation in general.

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The wise use guidelines call upon contracting parties to: • adoptnationalwetlandspolicies, involving a review of their existing legislation and

institutional arrangements to deal with wetland matters (either as separate policy instruments or as part of national environmental action plans, national biodiversity strategies, or other national strategic planning)

• developprograms of wetland inventory, monitoring, research, training, education and public awareness

• takeactionatwetlandssites, involving the development of integrated management plans covering every aspect of the wetlands and their relationships with their catchments.

The guidelines emphasise the benefits and values of wetlands for sediment and erosion control; flood control; maintenance of water quality and abatement of pollution; maintenance of surface and underground water supply; support for fisheries, grazing and agriculture; outdoor recreation and education for human society; and climatic stability.

The Ramsar Secretariat assists the contracting parties in implementing the guidelines and additional guidance on the wise use of wetlands by:

• providing expertise, either through Ramsar technical personnel and its network or through external consultants

• making available the further guidelines adopted by the Conference of Parties on many aspects of wetland conservation and wise use

• funding projects through the Ramsar Small Grants Fund

• seeking third-party funding for wise use projects.

The wise use guidelines and additional guidance are available on the Ramsar website and in hard copy from the Ramsar Secretariat, and have been reprinted as volume one of the new Ramsar Toolkit, the Handbooks for the wise use of wetlands.

Towards the wise use of wetlands (Ramsar, 1993) is available from the IUCN Publication Services Unit, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK (fax +44 1223 277175, email [email protected] ) and has also been reprinted on the Ramsar website [www.ramsar.org/lib/lib_wise.htm].

Note: The ‘wise use’ principle inscribed in Article 3.1 of the Convention in 1971, and its definition and application by the Conference of Parties, have been established and have evolved completely independently from the so-called ‘wise use movement’ that has emerged in recent years in North America. The use of the same term does not necessarily indicate that there is a commonality of understanding and/or purpose.

— www.ramsar.org/about/about_infopack_7e.htm

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Appendix4 Bibliography

Fact Sheet: Australia’s Ramsar Sites, Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage, 2004, Australia. (www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications/ramsar/ pubs/ramsar.pdf)

Communication, education, and public awareness to promote wise use of Australia’s wetlands National Action Plan 2001–2005: The Next Step (November 2002), Environment Australia, 2002, Australia (www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/cepa/pubs/cepa1102.pdf).

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