Ramsar Working in Australia -

Ramsar Working in Australia
Linking local wetlands to the Ramsar international family

Third Australian Wetland Forum

A joint initiative of Wetland Care Australia, WWF Australia, Australian Society of Limnology and the Society of Wetland Scientists Australia

9:45 am-5:30pm
Friday 13 June 2003
Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre
Holmes Road, Kingston-on-Murray, SA Riverland

Aim of AWF3

To make the Ramsar initiative relevant to local wetlands by sharing and discussing current information about its implementation and obligations to regional and local levels.

Expected Outputs of AWF3

· Practical immediate feedback from the recent meeting of Ramsar signatories in Spain
· Updated information on the implications of Ramsar for local wetland management
· Recommendations for tools and actions to facilitate transfer of key Ramsar information to target groups

Who is invited to attend

Anyone interested in wise use of Australia's wetlands, including:
· federal government
· state agencies
· local government
· NGOs
· community groups and individuals
· landholders
· education services
· business.

History of Australian Wetland Forums
The Australian Wetland Forums are a joint initiative of Wetland Care Australia, WWF Australia, Australian Society of Limnology and the Society of Wetland Scientists Australia.

The first forum was held in Darwin in July 2000 in conjunction with the annual congress of the Australian Society of Limnology. The second forum was held in Moama NSW in September 2001 in conjunction with the ASL congress. The third forum at Kingston-on-Murray in June 2003 coincides with World Enviornment Week.

Original aim of Australian Wetland Forums
To achieve a paradigm shift in the way wetlands are managed in Australia, with the aim of halting or reversing the rate of loss of wetlands.

Ramsar working in Australia
-- linking local wetlands to the Ramsar international family --

Program
(Some speakers to be confirmed)

Time Presenter Topic
9:45 Karlene Maywald
MP, Member for Chassey
Looking after Australia's wetland resources
10:00 Sarah Young
Environment Australia
The messages from the Ramsar Convention and implications for Australian wetlands
10:25 Dr Max Finlayson
Wetlands International
Key issues for non-government organisations in Ramsar, and Australia's role in the international scene
10:50 MORNING TEA (20 mins)
11:10 Tony Sharley
Banrock Station Wines
What Ramsar and the business sector can do for each other
11:30 Bill Phillips
WWF
Making the link between Ramsar and wetland landholders
11:55 (TBA)
Landholder
Making Ramsar work on private land
12:20 Dr Jenny Davis
Australian Society of Limnology
Science for management and on-ground action to deliver Ramsar obligations
12:45 LUNCH (45 mins)
1:30
Indigenous Representative
(TBA) Including Indigenous Knowledge in Ramsar activities
1:55
Mike Harper
SA DWLBC
Putting wise use into practice - finding the middle ground in the Riverland Ramsar wetland
2:20 Chris Prietto
The Wetlands Centre
Ramsar and non-government groups - connecting Ramsar with the community
2:45 Justine Graham
Wetland Care Australia
Ramsar on the ground - interpreting relevant information for local government, landholders and community groups
3:10 AFTERNOON TEA (20 mins)
3:30 DISCUSSION GROUPS (90 mins)
5:00 Plenary Discussion and Recommendations (30 mins)
5:30 close and drinks; dinner on the deck 6 - 8 pm

Discussion topic (90 minutes small groups + 30 minutes report back & discussion):

what can Ramsar do to help us, and how can we help Ramsar
· what are the key messages from Ramsar?
· who are the target audiences?
· what are the best tools to make this information accessible?
· who can deliver the product?

Four discussion groups to discuss these questions in relation to the following categories:
· protection of wetlands
· communication about wetlands
· obligations for action in Australia
· practical wise use of wetlands

Discussion group Discussion leader (to be confirmed)
Protection of wetlands Judy Goode, SA Dept Water, Land & Biodiversity Conservation
Communication about wetlands Chris Prietto, The Wetlands Center
Obligations for action in Australia Michelle Handley, WWF
Practical wise use of wetlands Doug Watkins, Wetlands International

Registration
$75 including lunch and morning/afternoon tea. Drinks will be provided on the deck following the close of formal sessions. Dinner can be pre-booked at an extra charge - minimum numbers will apply. Subsidised registrations available to landowners and community representatives upon application.

Transport
Bus transport to and from Banrock station will be arranged at cost price. Please indicate your requirements ASAP to enable coordination of vehicles.

Accommodation
A range of accommodation to suit all budgets is available in Adelaide.

RSVP
Registration and payment must be received by Wednesday 4th June 2003. Registration forms are available on our website at www.wetlandcare.com.au. Contact Justine Graham at Wetland Care Australia on (02) 6681 6069 or email justinegraham@wetlandcare.com.au.