Nominating and protecting Ramsar sites
Nominating Ramsar sites
Once a country has become a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, it can nominate wetlands for inclusion in the list of 'Wetlands of International Importance' (Ramsar sites). These wetlands must meet at least one of nine internationally accepted criteria in relation to their zoology, botany, ecology, hydrology or limnology and their importance to waterfowl and other wetland dependent biodiversity.
For instance, a Ramsar wetland might support a large population of animals and plants, provide habitats for threatened or endangered species or be unique in its region.
You can find out more about the Ramsar criteria on the Ramsar Convention website.
Protecting Ramsar wetlands in NSW
Many organisations and individuals are involved in Ramsar wetlands in NSW. They include the international Ramsar Secretariat, Australian, NSW and local governments, landowners, and community groups. It also includes the Ramsar Managers Network, a group of private landowners and government agencies responsible for managing Ramsar sites in NSW. The network is supported by OEH and meets regularly to discuss management of their respective sites and to develop initiatives for communicating the important values of wetlands and Ramsar sites.
OEH has published a guide explaining the roles and responsibilites of Ramsar site managers in managing their sites.
The NSW Government's obligations under the Ramsar Convention
Countries that have joined the convention are required to implement policies that aim to guarantee conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. They are expected to manage their Ramsar sites and all other wetlands so as to protect their unique ecological character.
The NSW government administers its obligations under the Ramsar Convention in partnership with the Australian Government.
The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is the administrative authority responsible for implementing the Ramsar Convention in NSW. OEH is responsible for:
- coordinating nomination of wetlands to be listed as Ramsar sites
- advising on the management of existing Ramsar wetlands
- managing Ramsar wetlands in national parks and reserves
- promoting the values of the Ramsar Convention
- reporting to the Australian government on the implementation of the convention in NSW.
Page last updated: 26 April 2012
