Wetlands and water the focus on World Wetlands Day

This year marks 50 years of the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, known as the Ramsar Convention. The 2021 theme for World Wetlands Day ‘Wetlands and Water’, provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on these incredible ecosystems.

“The events of the last few years, from significant drought, to widespread fires, have really emphasised the importance and role of water in our communities and the significance our wetlands” said South East Local Land Services’ Sonia Bazzacco.

“Wetlands are special places, they provide so much to us, particularly here on the coast, so it is essential that we look after them.”

Wetlands are used by the whole community, they are important for local agriculture and oyster producers, they are prime spots for recreation and tourism, provide buffers from severe weather events and are vital nurseries for many recreational and commercial fish stocks.

The largest threats to wetlands in the South East include stock accessing and damaging waterways, nutrient and pollutant run off from urban and agricultural areas and wetland weeds.

“We’re working closely with land managers to protect one of the South East’s most important wetland communities - saltmarsh.

“Saltmarsh play an important role as an environmental filter, trapping sediment and nutrients from our estuaries, providing a buffer to our shore lines from erosion and providing food and habitat to numerous species of fish and migratory birds.” Sonia said.

The protection and enhancement of these wetlands is especially important in reducing the impacts of climate change.

“Saltmarsh absorbs more carbon and at a faster rate than any other vegetation community, even rainforest.

“We’ve been able to work with 6 land managers over the last year to fence off over 20 hectares of saltmarsh in the Shoalhaven and Moruya Rivers, Currumbene Creek and Burill Lake, protecting these areas from stock incursions and enhancing the saltmarh’s potential to perform its amazing role in our estuaries.

“This project is supported by South East Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.” Sonia said.

Work to address the impact that the Southern fires had on local wetlands has also been delivered with support through the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program.

Immediately post fires there was a great risk of a rain event causing increased run off into waterways and wetlands. Erosion control work was carried out across the Deua and Clyde river catchments to minimise this risk.

Targeted weed control work has also been carried out along the Upper Tuross, Clyde and Deua rivers to allow native plants the space and time to regenerate without the extra competition posed by invasive weeds.

To find out more about ongoing South East Local Land Services wetlands projects please contact Sonia Bazzacco on 0429 998 585.

Fast Facts: 

• 2021 marks the 50-year anniversary of the signing of the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar Iran on February 2 1971.

• First celebrated in 1997, World Wetlands Day was initiated with the aim of raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands.

• The theme ‘Wetlands and Water’ highlights the role wetlands play in: clean water, water supply, ecosystem resilience, sustainable livelihoods and jobs, biodiversity conservation, storm protection, carbon storage, climate change adaptation, health and well-being and tourism and recreation.

• South East Local Land Services receives funding from a range of sources to help land managers and communities protect natural assets like wetlands and waterways. Contact your nearest office to learn more. 
  

ENDS 

Media contact: Dave Michael, South East Local Land Services, 0418 513 880