Ramsar wetlands
The Ramsar Convention, or 'Convention on Wetlands of International Importance' aims to promote and protect wetlands throughout the world. To date, wetlands are the only type of habitat in the world to have a dedicated international convention.
The Ramsar Convention was first signed in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. Today, it covers thousands of wetlands throughout the world, providing protection and recognition to over 120 million hectares of internationally significant wetlands. Australia became a signatory in 1971, and now has more than 60 Ramsar sites, covering an area greater than the size of Tasmania.
The original intent of the Ramsar Convention was to protect waterbird habitats. The convention has broadened its scope to include the protection of all wetland biodiversity and the 'wise use' of all wetlands.
More about Ramsar
NSW Ramsar Plan 2006-09: A plan for the protection and wise use of Ramsar wetlands in NSW
The NSW Ramsar Plan 2006-09 aims to guide DEC and other participating stakeholders in the key actions planned for the next three years to allow NSW and Australia to fulfil its obligations under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar sites throughout the world
Visit the Ramsar Convention website for a full list of internationally protected wetlands.
Ramsar sites in New South Wales
Find out about each of the state's Ramsar wetlands.
Nominating and protecting Ramsar sites
See how wetlands are nominated for the Ramsar list, and find out what responsibilities this involves for the NSW government.
The NSW Ramsar Managers Network
This group of wetland managers aims to support private landholders managing Ramsar wetlands in NSW. Find out more, and download documents from the NSW Ramsar Wetlands Communications Program.
Delivering the Ramsar Convention in NSW
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.