Sch 6Australian Ramsar management principles

Schedule 6—Australian Ramsar management principles

(regulation 10.02)

 

1  General principles

 1.01 The primary purpose of management of a declared Ramsar wetland must be, in accordance with the Ramsar Convention:

 (a) to describe and maintain the ecological character of the wetland; and

 (b) to formulate and implement planning that promotes:

 (i) conservation of the wetland; and

 (ii) wise and sustainable use of the wetland for the benefit of humanity in a way that is compatible with maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem.

 1.02 Wetland management should provide for public consultation on decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on the wetland.

 1.03 Wetland management should make special provision, if appropriate, for the involvement of people who:

 (a) have a particular interest in the wetland; and

 (b) may be affected by the management of the wetland.

 1.04 Wetland management should provide for continuing community and technical input.

2  Management planning

 2.01 At least 1 management plan should be prepared for each declared Ramsar wetland.

 2.02 A management plan for a declared Ramsar wetland should:

 (a) describe its ecological character; and

 (b) state the characteristics that make it a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention; and

 (c) state what must be done to maintain its ecological character; and

 (d) promote its conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of humanity in a way that is compatible with maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem; and

 (e) state mechanisms to deal with the impacts of actions that individually or cumulatively endanger its ecological character, including risks arising from:

 (i) physical loss, modification or encroachment on the wetland; or

 (ii) loss of biodiversity; or

 (iii) pollution and nutrient input; or

 (iv) changes to water regimes; or

 (v) utilisation of resources; or

 (vi) introduction of invasive species; and

 (f) state whether the wetland needs restoration or rehabilitation; and

 (g) if restoration or rehabilitation is needed—explain how the plan provides for restoration or rehabilitation; and

 (h) provide for continuing monitoring and reporting on the state of its ecological character; and

 (i) be based on an integrated catchment management approach; and