Regional Communication Srategy

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is recognised as the first modern global conservation convention. It was created to protect wetlands worldwide and has 130 member countries. As a contracting party to the Ramsar Convention, Australia has made a commitment to promote wetland values, to encourage wise use of all wetlands and to list wetlands that meet Ramsar criteria.

The Ramsar Convention's Outreach Programme 1999-2002 (Resolution VII.9) encourages contracting parties to focus on education and community involvement in wise use of wetlands. In Australia this has given rise to the Wetlands Communication, Education and Public Awareness National Action Plan 2001-2005, which underpins this strategy.

The Hunter Ramsar Wetland Communication Strategy has been developed by The Wetlands Centre Australia (TWC) to meet objectives featured in the Ramsar Outreach Programme. Its development was part of a Natural Heritage Trust funded project to develop a community-based Regional Ramsar Information Service reflecting needs in the Hunter Region. This project and the resulting strategy is consistent with international, national and state level objectives for conservation and wise use of wetlands. It serves as a model which could be replicated in other catchment regions in Australia.

Since 1986, TWC has been a leader in wetland education and a model demonstration of community involvement in wetland management. Located at Shortland Wetlands in Newcastle, it is a non-government organisation dedicated to wetland research, education, conservation, recreation and wise use. The aims of TWC have always closely reflected those of the Ramsar Convention. Interest in Ramsar and the need for greater awareness and understanding is increasing in Australia, especially since Ramsar sites are now covered under Commonwealth legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999). This strategy will demonstrate TWC’s capacity to act as a Regional Focal Point for Ramsar and wetland conservation in general.

The Hunter Ramsar Communication Strategy aims to guide TWC Australia’s delivery of communication, education and public awareness about wetlands and Ramsar objectives in the Hunter Region. It aims to:

The Hunter Ramsar Communication Strategy focuses on initiatives, services and products to be delivered by TWC Australia both on-site and catchment-wide in partnership with other organisations and agencies.

One of TWC's strengths is fostering ecological responsibility by providing experiences that help citizens develop a deep sense of connection with their local landscape. This Communication Strategy seeks to build on this strength. Its implementation will consolidate our expertise, add value to our existing programmes and build capacity for community based education in the region.

The Strategy recognises the existing knowledge and expertise in wetland management held by government officers, non-government organisations, educational institutions, community groups, Landcare groups and individuals. It seeks to establish processes that encourage sharing and integration of this knowledge to improve outcomes.

Of central importance is the working partnership between the Department of Education and Training and TWC. The former operates a Field Study Centre located at the Wetlands Centre by License Agreement. Department staff deliver school and tertiary education on site, assist with interpretive displays and signage and build capacity for TWC to deliver community education.

The NGO status of TWC enhances our ability to facilitate inter-organisation partnerships and to deliver integrated campaigns across local government boundaries. TWC combines the close community interface of local government and the broader geographic focus of state agencies to great effect.

The ability to facilitate projects throughout the catchment and with all key stakeholders will depend on the funding available. Highest priority will be given to those projects that form part of TWC’s core education activities on-site, and those which engage our existing colleagues in the Hunter Region. These projects are most readily achievable within funding constraints and build on existing groundwork.

Securing partnerships and grant funds to implement projects will be an ongoing process. Budgets and resource requirements will therefore be refined as opportunities arise to implement projects.

The Hunter Catchment is 22,000 km² and is home to over 350,000 people. There is a wide mix of land management authorities and private landholders. Land uses include intensive broad-acre farming, commercial fishing, viticulture, coal mining, power generation, medium to heavy industry, national parks, forestry, urban and rural residential and tourism.

The Hunter Ramsar Communication Strategy identifies a range of priority target groups. These have been identified by integrating information from existing management documents and through responses to a needs assessment survey.

The Hunter has a range of wetland habitats from saltmarsh and mangrove forests to floodplain and upland wetlands. In the lower Hunter most wetland areas have an ecological connection to the Hunter estuary and together represent high conservation values. Wetlands elsewhere in the catchment include areas of floodplain which can hold significant amounts of water during major rain events, farm dams and wetlands constructed to treat liquid wastes and stormwater.

Water quality and biodiversity has been improved through the work undertaken by the Hunter Catchment Management Trust and associated committees supported by state agencies with responsibility for land management. In the Lower Hunter this has led to many innovative partnerships supporting significant wetland rehabilitation projects, including Shortland Wetlands.

More recently, the Stormwater Trust has been funding urban catchment management initiatives with the aims of reducing erosion, nutrient loading, sedimentation and turbidity and protecting and enhancing the ecological and social values of urban waterways. Constructed wetlands have been used for agricultural water storage, waste processing, stormwater treatment and conservation demonstration.

The planning frameworks that underpin this Regional Strategy range from the international level to the local level. More detailed information is provided in Appendix 2. Frameworks include:

In preparing this strategy, TWC Australia conducted a series of surveys to ascertain the level of awareness, understanding and demand for information on the Ramsar Convention using four avenues:

The environmental professionals surveyed included planners, educators, ecologists and managers from State, Federal and Local Government. Their results support the need for this communication Strategy.

As could be expected, community representatives surveyed knew significantly less about the convention than environmental professionals. Interestingly, their desire to learn more about the convention was stronger, probably because they have less access to information.

TWC also facilitated a series of one-on-one meetings and small focus groups to consult with lead organizations. The results of these surveys and meetings have been incorporated throughout this strategy.

All guiding principles of the Wetlands CEPA National Action Plan 2001-2005 have been considered in the development of this strategy. The Action Plan is available on the Environment Australia website (www.ea.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications/cepa0105.html). The following principles have special significance to this strategy:

During delivery of this Strategy, education efforts will build on the key themes below to increase understanding of wetland issues and engagement in wise use management.

Wetlands are meeting places between aquatic and terrestrial environments, and in Australia are usually ephemeral. These complex conditions make wetlands reservoirs for biodiversity. Biodiversity has a range of economic and intrinsic values for land managers.

As well as promoting wetland values, processes and wise use, this strategy seeks to promote the Ramsar convention itself and Australia's response, particularly in the Hunter Region. The international Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The Convention provides the framework for national action and international cooperation to protect wetlands around the world. Australia was the first country to nominate a wetland of international significance (Coburg Peninsular, in 1974).

The Hunter Ramsar Committee was formally established on 2 February 2001 to identify and seek nomination for suitable wetlands in the Hunter Region. The habitat values of our existing Ramsar site, Kooragang Nature Reserve in the Hunter Estuary depend on the conservation of a mosaic of wetlands throughout the Hunter, as birds particularly travel to feed, breed and roost.

The Committee is currently seeking nomination for Shortland Wetlands, which meets several Ramsar criteria, as an extension to Kooragang Nature Reserve Ramsar Site. It is hoped that other wetlands in the Lower Hunter can be nominated as future extensions.

Target Group	Environmental policy makers, planners, land managers, regulators and educators.
Rationale	These professionals are key decision-makers and change agents. Their actions can impact directly on wetlands, positively or negatively, either at the local level or catchment/river basin scale. They have a special need to understand the role of wetlands and have access to information on best practice in managing wetland ecosystems, especially where they are responsible for managing a Ramsar site.
Profile	At local government level, the Hunter Region Organisation of Councils (HROC) has 13 member Councils and facilitates delivery of the Lower Hunter Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy (LHCCREMS). Councils have environmental officers with responsibility for conservation planning, regulation, land management and community education. The key state agencies active in wetland protection in the Hunter are the Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC) and National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). NSW Fisheries is involved in the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project. The Environment Protection Authority invests in water quality improvement through the Stormwater Trust. Planning NSW implements SEPP 14 during the development consent process. There is considerable integration between local and state agencies and the community. DLWC supports the Hunter Region Landcare Network. HCMT facilitates partnerships with all levels of government and industry to secure investment in community-based rehabilitation work. Local Councils host coordinators for Landcare and Coastcare and deliver programmes funded by the Stormwater Trust. See Appendix 1 for more detail.
Behaviour sought	Environmental professionals have a good understanding of Hunter Catchment wetlands and support their conservation. They share knowledge and integrate their activities, value adding to each other’s programmes. Policy makers and planners give consideration to wetland functions, services and benefits to ensure no further losses or degradation. Educators connect landholders and residents with their wetlands to win community support for and involvement in protection and rehabilitation. Land Managers and regulators implement and enforce wetland protection and Ramsar's Wise Use Principles.
Communication Strategies	Facilitate an annual wetlands forum for local government personnel to promote information sharing on wetland action and training on wetlands in the Hunter, their values and ecological services, threats, wise use principles, the Ramsar convention and Australian legislation. Develop and support an email network of environmental professionals involved in wetlands, catchment management and biodiversity. Keep members of the network informed of existing resources, legislation, grant programs, resources, conferences, training courses and other wetland issues. Establish, support and promote a sub-network of outreach officers whose role relates to wetlands from all agencies in the Hunter. Promote this network through implementation of the Hunter Catchment Blueprint. Promote the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar Officer as an advisory and referral service as part of the network above. Encourage Hunter professionals to participate in the global Ramsar e-mail network and Ramsar Experts Database. Facilitate or participate in small group workshops and presentations in appropriate clusters. For example, to all staff in larger organisations such as Newcastle City Council, to stormwater educators, to all environmental professionals in small towns; to the Hunter Vegetation Management Committee and Hunter Coast and Estuary Management Committee; to Professional Associations. Present workshops and papers at regional, state and national conferences. Support and resource LHCCREMS programs in the fields of biodiversity and water sensitive urban design. Host an annual corporate function for colleagues to promote the Ramsar Convention, TWC's education and conservation activities and key partnerships. Promote TWC's Chairman as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Ramsar. Improve TWC's web site with respect to wetland issues, the Ramsar Convention and links to other sites. Build and promote TWC's extensive library and literature review service. Develop and promote TWC's web site as a regional portal to Ramsar and AWIN web resources. Support implementation of Hunter Catchment Blueprint Communication Strategies, ensuring they progress Ramsar principles.
Potential partners	University of Newcastle, Tocal Agricultural Centre, HROC and LHCCREMS and their associated Local Councils, DLWC and Landcare, all stakeholder agencies, HCMT.

Target Group (1)	Landcare groups and rural landowners, especially those responsible for managing natural or constructed wetlands.
Rationale	Landcare members are involved in property management in rural areas and rehabilitation on public land in cities lower in the Hunter catchment. They play a lead role promoting best practice and stewardship. Rural landowners can play an important role in protecting natural wetlands and enhancing the ecological values of farm dams by implementing wise use principles on their properties.
Profile	There are 75 Landcare Groups in the Hunter. The age of members varies. The most common group size is 15 - 20 members. There are at least 20 Landcare groups in the Hunter directly involved in managing wetlands. See Appendix 1 for more detail.
Behaviour sought	Appreciation for wetlands values, especially their contribution to biodiversity and to river health. Sustainable management of wetlands in accordance with Ramsar’s principle of wise use.
Communication Strategies	Deliver presentations and skill-based workshops for Landcare Groups and networks in association with Greening Australia. Work with Landcare and Greening Australia to coordinate field trips to properties demonstrating best practice in wetland management. Tour a display on wetland values, wise use and "dam good ideas" based on case studies to regional libraries, agricultural shows and field days. Host Wetlands Rambles as part of Tocal Field Days. Distribute wetland gimmicks such as stickers, balloons etc with the wetlands = water = life slogan. Distribute information kits on wetland management for rural landholders and farmers at agricultural shows, field days and expose. Promote TWC's Ramsar Education Officer and associated colleagues as an advisory and referral service. Work in partnership with a commercial supplier to promote and sell wetland plants for dam vegetation and wetland rehabilitation at agricultural shows, field days and expos. Arrange newsletter and local media stories on wetland values, wise use case studies and the Ramsar Convention. Promote visits to TWC via Landcare Groups, agricultural shows and field days. Distribute information kits and fact sheets via Landcare Resource Officers. Build and promote TWC's extensive library and literature review service. Develop and promote TWC's web site as a regional portal to Ramsar and AWIN web resources. Integrate all of the above in local campaigns. For example, work with Landcare Resource Officers to coordinate presentation, workshops, displays, gimmick giveaway, newsletter and mass media stories during the month of the Tocal Field Days. Support and promote wetland education through Tocal Agricultural Centre's short courses and Landcare Certificate. Seek to incorporate information on the Ramsar Convention and Wise Use principles.
Potential Partners	Landcare, Tocal Agricultural Centre, Greening Australia, NSW Agriculture, DLWC.
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Target Group (2)	Total Catchment Management, Natural Resource Planning Committees.
Rationale	These committees are developing catchment-level plans, making decisions and implementing actions that impact directly on wetlands.
Profile	The HCMT is a key stakeholder in wetland wise use. It provides a link between government and the community. The Trust delivers natural resource and environment planning for the catchment, coordinates funding for on-ground works and, in partnership with DLWC, manages flood mitigation works in the Hunter Catchment. The HCMT coordinates 5 Total Catchment Management Committees, and the Kooragang Wetland and Hexham Swamp Rehabilitation Projects. Other major committees that operate in the Hunter and have a special focus include the Hunter River Management Committee, Hunter Vegetation Management Committee and the Hunter Coast and Estuary Management Committee.
Behaviour sought	Appreciation for wetland values, especially their contribution to biodiversity and aquatic health. Sustainable management of wetlands in accordance with Ramsar’s principle of wise use.
Communication Strategies	Involve committee members in the wetlands email network outlined in Government Sector strategies. Provide briefing notes and speakers on a regular basis to inform committee members on Ramsar wise use principles. Promote the Ramsar Education Officer as an advisory service during plan development.
Potential Partners	HCMT, DLWC.
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Target Group (3)	Urban residents, especially those whose behaviour impacts directly on wetlands.
Rationale	Local stewardship based on understanding and appreciation is vital.
Profile	Wetlands are part of the landscape of many local government areas. A greater understanding of wetlands especially for those residents whose homes adjoin significant wetlands, can result in improved attitudes and behaviours. There are also opportunities for direct involvement in wetland management that will result in higher level appreciation and understanding.
Behaviour sought	Residents understand and value wetlands and practice responsible behaviours to prevent pollution of stormwater and threats such as weed invasion and predation by pets. Residents become directly involved in management of wetlands
Communication Strategies	Participate in the Ironbark and Throsby Creek Combined Education Task Force to support and build on the success of existing and proposed stormwater, catchment and wetland education projects. Develop Ramsar brochures and information kits to distribute through TWC and the task force above. Host events at TWC promoting wetland values and responsible behaviours (see Appendix 3). Provide displays and activities at local community events in wetland sub-catchments. Enhance the interpretive displays and signage at TWC to better promote wetlands values, processes and wise use. Facilitate or participate in wetland field trips. These could be linked with urban Catchment Tours and special events such as World Wetlands Day (2 February 2002) and Catchment Day in October. Develop a training manual for volunteer guides at TWC that can be transferred to other organisations. Host training workshops for volunteer guides at TWC. Invite other organisations to participate. Develop a Wetlands Ambassadors program for wetland neighbours. This could be done in tandem with the Ironbark Creek and Throsby TCM education task force's proposed "Catchment Crusaders" program. Participants receive a resource kit, gimmicks (wetlands = water = life) and free membership of TWC. Coordinate an activity program of workshops, tours and holiday activities at TWC. Host activities as part of related programs such as the Community Biodiversity Network's Biodiversity Month and Coastcare Summerfest. Provide youth education activities for programs such as Newcastle City Council's Westfest and the Palais. Host free activities for the public on World Wetlands Day. Promote membership of TWC throughout the Hunter Valley. Write and distribute a bi-annual newsletter (the Wetlander) for members of TWC, Wetland Ambassadors and TWC's extensive mailing lists of past visitors and colleagues. Run community arts projects at TWC. Provide newsletter and media stories on wetland issues, events and the Ramsar Convention. Contribute wetland nature observations to Newcastle Nature Watch. Work with community representatives to build and promote links between the Kushiro, Japan and Hunter Estuary Ramsar sites. Develop and tour a joint Kushiro - Hunter Ramsar photographic display. Publish a high quality book of photographs of Hunter wetlands. Provide Ramsar briefing, resources and editorial advice to Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP) to enhance the outcomes of their interpretive signage. Provide Ramsar briefing notes to educators and tour guides associated with KWRP.
Potential Partners	NCC; HCMT; Ironbark and Throsby TCM education taskforce; KWRP; Coastcare; CBN; Port Stephens Sister City Committee representatives.
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Target Group (4)	Environmental groups
Rationale	Local environmental groups play a key role in supporting the wise use of wetlands.
Profile	TWC is a hub for local environmental special interest groups that play an active role in education and advocacy. These include the Australian Plants Society, the Hunter Bird Observers, the Native Animal Trust Fund, the Society of Frogs and Reptiles and Hunter Native Fish Society. Other environmental community groups that operate in the Hunter Catchment include National Parks Association of NSW, Northern Parks and Playground Movement, Earthcare Park and Education Centre, Tilligerry Habitat, Trees in Newcastle, Eco-edge and the Coast and Wetlands Alliance. Although wetlands are not a special focus for all of these groups, a greater understanding will increase their support.
Behaviour sought	Groups have a sound understanding of wetlands issues and advocate the wise use of wetlands at all levels.
Communication Strategies	Include environmental activists on the Ramsar email network discussed in professional outreach. Distribute Ramsar brochures and information packs on wetland issues to key groups for wider distribution into the community. Give guest speaker presentations on the Ramsar Convention to key coalitions. Provide newsletter stories on Ramsar issues to environmental organisations. Coordinate an annual seminar on wetland issues and campaigning skills specifically targeting environmental activists. Build and promote TWC's extensive library and literature review service. Develop and promote TWC's web site as a regional portal to Ramsar web resources. Invite environmental activists to give presentations on field trips and professional training seminars.

Education Sector

Target Group (1)	Primary and Secondary School Students
Rationale	Education is a valuable process for delivering information on wetlands and changing attitudes to wetlands. Children are the next generation of environmental managers/caretakers, and we must ensure that they are aware of the importance of wetlands and how to use them wisely. Children influence the behaviour of their household and can be important ambassadors for minimising environmental impacts in the home.
Profile	TWC hosts approximately 10,000 school students each year from throughout the Hunter region. Educational programs are developed and delivered by the Department of Education and Training's Wetlands Environmental Education Centre (WEEC), which has a License Agreement to use TWC's facilities. While WEEC staff play the key role in developing curricula-based resources and activities for students, TWC is responsible for designing, improving and maintaining infrastructure. Students come from kindergarten to year 12 and TAFE HSC. Another key venue for school education in the Hunter is Tocal Agricultural Centre. The Centre caters for years 10 - 12, and also co-ordinates short courses and distance education. They have implemented a best-practice wetland rehabilitation project.
Behaviour sought	Young people know the location of wetlands in their area and understand their values. They feel empowered to adopt a stewardship role to care for the environment, including wetlands.
Communication Strategies	Enhance TWC's displays and interpretive signage to better promote wetland values, processes and wise use. Support the annual Planet Savers event. Coordinate and extend the Ramsar Migratory Shorebirds Education program. This program is based on encouraging real and virtual postcard exchanges between schools at Shorebird Site Network Sites along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Goals include increasing the number of schools involved to represent all Shorebird Site Network Sites; extend web site to include curriculum-based worksheets. Provide resources and briefings on the Ramsar Convention and wise use principles to staff and students at Tocal Agricultural Centre.
Target Group (2)	Tertiary Students
Rationale	Tertiary students in a range of disciplines need on-ground experience in wetland environments. This includes students in a number of disciplines, including Biological sciences, earth sciences, Environmental engineering, Environmental law, Tourism and Education.
Profile	University of Newcastle delivers a range of courses that would benefit from information on and experience in wetlands. Tocal Agricultural Centre runs a range of land management courses that articulate with University Degrees and would also benefit from Wetland information.
Behaviour sought	Tertiary students seek to increase expertise in wetland issues.
Communication Strategies	Supervise undergraduate and post graduate studies on wetland issues in the fields of environmental science, environmental education and recreation and tourism management. Build and promote TWC's extensive library and literature review service. Develop and promote TWC's web site as a regional portal to Ramsar web resources.
Potential Partners	University of Newcastle; Wetlands Environmental Education Centre; Tocal Agricultural Centre.
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Target Group (3)	Wetlands Education Centres
Rationale	Education centres with a specific focus on wetlands are increasing in number worldwide. They are regarded as prime vehicles for assisting people to experience wetlands, understand their values and contribute to their management. Wetland Link International (WLI) is an initiative of the Wetland and Wildfowl Trust (UK) that aims to improve links between wetland centres at all levels. WLI has been identified as a key platform of Ramsar’s CEPA Program. Increased communication among Centres would allow better exchange of information and expertise and demonstrate the value of education for wetland conservation.
Profile	There are approximately 40 Centres in Australia either dedicated to wetland education or with a strong focus on wetlands. They cover many types of wetlands including in some cases Ramsar sites. Australia has had wetland centres for over 20 years and their diversity ranges along a continuum from staffed, highly developed centres to small non-staffed centres. They have made a strong contribution to wetland conservation during that time.
Behaviour sought	Wetlands Education Centres across Australia will work in partnership with each other and WLI to deliver Ramsar communication, education and public awareness.
Communication Strategies	Establish TWC as the hub for Wetlands Link International - Australia. Build communication networks between Wetland Education Centres in Australia and foster membership and networks with Wetland Link International (WLI). Develop and distribute a national brochure of Wetlands Education Centres in Australia. Coordinate an annual combined event for all wetland education Centres in Australia on World Wetlands Day. Foster staff exchanges between members of WLI, particularly within Australia. Facilitate Sister Centre Schemes between Australian and International Centres.

Target Group (1)	The Media
Rationale	Conveying positive and informative messages about wetlands to the general community can be accelerated through news and other stories in the electronic and print media.
Profile	NBN is the only television station producing local news stories in the region. Other key media outlets with regional reach are Radio ABC and the Newcastle Herald. Newcastle Newspapers produces local editions of the Post across the Region.
Behaviour sought	Recognition of the many functions, services and benefits provided by wetlands and to see this reflected in greater and more informed media coverage of wetland issues.
Communication Strategies	Provide regular backgrounders, briefings and media release on topical issues and events. Facilitate advertising features with stakeholder agencies on World Wetlands Day. Run advertising campaigns promoting Ramsar issues.
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Target Group (2)	Local industries that impact on wetland values.
Rationale	Some industries in the catchment carry out activities that can have negative impacts on wetlands. A greater appreciation within the industry sector for the role wetlands play is important for long-term conservation of wetlands.
Profile	Local industry in the Hunter catchment includes intensive broad-acre farming, commercial fishing, viticulture, coal mining, power generation, medium to heavy industry and a working industrial port handling a range of exports
Behaviour sought	Recognition of the many functions, services and benefits provided by wetlands and a greater commitment to sustainable management of development.
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Target Group (3)	Industries constructing and utilising wetlands for liquid waste and stormwater treatment.

Hunter Ramsar

Wetlands Communication Strategy

Authors

Acknowledgements

Funding

Contents

Target Group

Environmental policy makers, planners, land managers, regulators and educators.

Target Group (1)

Landcare groups and rural landowners, especially those responsible for managing natural or constructed wetlands.

Landcare members are involved in property management in rural areas and rehabilitation on public land in cities lower in the Hunter catchment. They play a lead role promoting best practice and stewardship.

Education Sector

Target Group (1)

Target Group (2)

Target Group (3)

Wetlands Education Centres

Target Group (1)

Target Group (3)

Industries constructing and utilising wetlands for liquid waste and stormwater treatment.