Government Guidelines and Legislation
Delivering the Ramsar Convention in NSW: Responsibilities and Roles of Stakeholders in Managing Ramsar Wetlands in NSW
Oct 2006
Source: Department of Environment and Conservation NSW
INTRODUCTION
As of September 2006 there were 64 Australian wetlands designated to the Ramsar List, of which NSW has 11. It is a great honour to have a wetland included on the prestigious Ramsar list, and there are many reports relating to the management of Ramsar sites and wetlands in general available on the Ramsar website, and also through the Australian and NSW governments.
This report is specific to Ramsar wetlands in NSW and 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-governmental NGO’s.
This article is a summary of the dot points in the report, and it is recommended that readers refer to the main report for a full understanding of the issues described. For a copy of the report call 131 555 (National Parks information and publication requests) or visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au
LAND MANAGERS
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 to the best of their ability. The ecological character of a wetland is the description of its significant features and existing use (eg. grazing or stormwater treatment).
When a land manager consents to the site’s designation to the Ramsar list and agrees to manage it to maintain its ecological character or ecological values they must agree to:
- Develop and implement a Ramsar site management plan.
- Developing a site management plan is a requirement under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Australian and NSW Governments (DEW and DECC 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
- Seeking any guidance and assistance that may be needed in managing and representing the needs of wetlands
- Informing the Australian Government of any intention to transfer ownership or otherwise sell 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 was defined as of Sept 26 when this report was published.
The Ramsar land manager may also CHOOSE to:
- Promote the Ramsar values of the 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.
TRADITIONAL OWNERS
Recently, the international Ramsar organisation recognised the need to include indigenous people in the management planning of wetlands, as well as acknowledging cultural and spiritual values in all Ramsar wetland descriptions. Examples of projects run through the Wetland Section of the Australia government Department of Environment and Water Resources that have incorporated Aboriginal cultural considerations include; Paroo Ramsar nomination, Queensland Wetlands Program, and the NRM Cultural Mapping Project.
Ramsar criteria for listing wetlands of international importance consider, in addition to relevant ecological values, whether a wetland holds significant cultural values. Contracting parties are encouraged to incorporate cultural values in wetland policies and strategies, as well as in wetland management plans.
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.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
The Australian Government has the lead role in implementing the Ramsar Convention, and does this through the Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW).
Under the terms of the convention, the Australian Government must:
- Ensure a plan of management is prepared for each Ramsar nomination.
- Implement the provisions of the EPBC Act that relate to issues which may have a significant impact on the ecological character or 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
- Assist landholders in identifying Australian Government funding opportunities to help them implement plans and act to maintain the ecological character of their properties.
Significantly, the EPBC Act 1999 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. Consequently anyone wishing to take an action likely to have a significant impact on a Ramsar wetland needs to inform DEW of their plans. DEW will review the submission and advise the proponent within 20 days if the plans must undergo a formal impact assessment.
EPBC Act weblink: www.environment.gov.au/epbc
NSW GOVERNMENT
Ramsar recognition of a wetland clearly indicates it is a high-conservation asset worthy of special attention. While the NSW Government is not legally compelled to give particular consideration to Ramsar site management, in practice – and within existing state processes – this generally occurs.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Environmental management is increasingly a core function for local councils. 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 wetlands and controlling development on the site itself using the regulations of SEPP 14, or local planning instruments.
