Social and economic considerations

Wetlands are a vital element of national and global ecosystems and economies. At the most fundamental level, wetlands are a key part of the water cycle, playing critical roles in maintaining the general health of Australia’s rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. Wetlands protect our shoreline from wave action, mitigate the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and provide habitats for animals and plants, including a number of species that are threatened. Wetlands are also critical to maintaining and improving our quality of life. They provide tangible benefits to the Australian economy, such as employment opportunities. Wetlands purify our water and are a focal point for recreational activities.

They provide nurseries for fish and other freshwater and marine life and, as such, are of critical importance to Australia’s commercial and recreational fishing industries. In some areas, wetlands support grazing, forestry and cropping activities.

Controls on further development of wetland habitats may impact on some landowners, land managers, industry groups and developers. Provision of environmental flows to selected wetlands to promote breeding by the Australian Painted Snipe may have some costs to other potential water users. However, the ecological services provided by healthy wetlands are generally considered to be substantial.

Currently in Victoria, wetlands known to contain Australian Painted Snipe are managed to reduce any impacts from duck hunting – for example, sections of Hird Swamp that contain breeding and foraging habitat are seasonally closed to duck hunters. Rehabilitation efforts at wetlands such as Hird Swamp in Victoria and Fivebough Swamp in NSW serve as examples of awareness raising about healthy wetlands and their habitat; threatened species conservation; and the ecologically sustainable use of water.

A large network of community volunteers across Australia actively participate in BirdLife Australia’s coordinated annual surveys for migratory shorebirds and wetland birds. Involvement can provide social benefits with community members and engaged groups having a sense of achievement, inclusion, community spirit and pride whilst gaining enjoyment and appreciation of their surrounding natural environment. The community education components of the program also promote community ownership, provide community support and encourage active involvement in protecting local natural resources.

In addition, there is the potential for economic gains through ecotourism ventures, nature tours and holiday accommodation operators in areas where the Australian Painted Snipe can reliably be seen. Additional social benefits include encouraging passive recreation, appreciation of natural aesthetic values and increased awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultural values.