About Wetlands

Wetlands include swamps, marshes, billabongs, lakes, saltmarshes, mudflats, mangroves, coral reefs, fens, peatlands, or bodies of water — whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary. Water within these areas can be static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline.
MORE INFORMATION ON WETLANDS CAN BE FOUND IN TEACHER RESOURCES

Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands are vital to Australia. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and provide habitat for animals and plants.

Wetlands are important in other ways as well. They purify our water and are important for recreational activities. They form nurseries for fish and other freshwater and marine life and, because of this, they are critical to Australia's commercial and recreational fishing industries.

They also bear historical significance with some having high cultural value. In particular, many wetland areas throughout Australia are important to Aboriginal people. Consideration of these historical and cultural relationships is a fundamental part of wetland management.

Policies and programs
Department of the Environment and Heritage is committed to conserve, repair and promote the wise use of wetlands across Australia. Department of the Environment and Heritage strives to fulfill this commitment with other governments, non-government organisations and the community by developing and implementing the best possible management of Australia's wetlands.

The department also works with State and Territory governments to implement Australia's obligations under the Ramsar Convention and promotes the principles of the Convention within the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.

The Wetlands Policy of the Commonwealth Government of Australia (1997) has defined and guided activities to ensure that all levels of government and the community are working together to conserve wetlands. The Implementation Plan for the Commonwealth Wetlands Policy was developed to ensure actions under the Policy are addressed in an effective manner and within appropriate timeframes.

Communication, education and public awareness
The department works with representatives from key wetland education centres, non-government organisations and State/Territory governments across Australia, to fulfil obligations of the Ramsar Programme on CEPA 2003-2008, at national, state and local levels in Australia. A Wetland Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) National Action Plan 2001-2005 has been developed and will assist to bring together all levels of government, statutory authorities, community groups, industry groups and conservation groups to develop and implement wetland education across Australia.

More about communication, education, and public awareness to promote wise use of Australia's wetlands
National Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Action Plan 2001-2005

• Plant and Wildlife Habitat
• Biological Diversity
• Recreation
• Foreshore Protection
• Social and Cultural
• Aboriginal Heritage
• Grazing and Forestry
• Cropping and Mining