DSE Celebrates World Wetlands Day

To celebrate World Wetlands Day 2010, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is holding a series of free activities at the wetlands of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site on Sunday 31 January.

DSE Executive Director of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Kimberley Dripps reminded Victorians that the World Wetlands Day celebration is an opportunity to explore a unique local treasure.

“Many Victorians are unaware of the significance of this amazing wetland system that is so close to Melbourne and Geelong. World Wetlands Day is the perfect opportunity to explore these wonderful natural assets,” Ms Dripps said.

World Wetlands Day, celebrated each year on 2 February, marks the anniversary of the signing of the International Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran in 1971. The convention is dedicated to the conservation of significant wetlands around the world.

Of 11 Victorian sites listed under the convention, the Gippsland region has several significant Ramsar wetland sites, including one of the largest and most iconic: the Gippsland Lakes.

The protection and enhancement of wetlands within the Gippsland Lakes catchment is a crucial part of biodiversity conservation for the region. Over the last four years DSE has been providing landholders adjacent to the Gippsland Lakes with financial incentives to protect their wetlands through the "Our Water Our Future" action plan.

DSE's Wetlands Project Officer, Belinda Rossack said the project has attracted interest from landholders including the Simpson family from Hollands Landing.

“The Simpson family became involved in the DSE Wetland Incentive Program in 2008 and have completed the on-ground works required to protect 71 hectares of their salt marsh wetlands,” Ms Rossack said.

Other Victorian sites listed under the Ramsar convention are Barmah Forest, Corner Inlet, Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, Gunbower Forest, Hattah-Kulkyne Lakes, Kerang Wetlands, Lake Albacutya, Western District Lakes, Western Port and the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site.

For further information on World Wetlands Day celebrations on Sunday 31 January, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/worldwetlandsday or call 136 186.