‘Wetlands for our Future’ is the theme of this year’s annual celebration of World Wetlands Day, sparking calls for the Liberal government to take action to protect the State’s wetlands of international significance.
“Tomorrow global celebrations of World Wetlands Day will get underway, recognising the vital role wetlands play in securing 70 per cent of the world’s fresh water needed for agriculture, fisheries and drinking water supplies,” Greens Environment spokesperson Nick McKim MP said.
“The best birthday present the Liberals could provide Tasmania’s 10 wetlands listed as internationally significant under the Ramsar Convention would be to end the annual duck shooting season, and move on a comprehensive State Coastal policy,” Mr McKim said.
“Next month will see the opening of the annual duck shooting season, which impacts cross the state’s wetlands including our Ramsar recognised sites.”
“The Greens call on the Environment Minister to not just pay lip-service to our acclaimed wetlands this year, but to take the opportunity to truly celebrate World Wetlands Day by ending the annual slaughter of water fowl.”
“We also need a commitment from the Minister to progress the stalled State Coastal policy.”
“Wetlands play a significant role in mitigating the impacts of climate change by binding the shoreline and resisting ongoing erosion.”
“’Wetlands for our future’ is the global theme, and by acting locally the Environment Minister can make a real difference in securing our biodiversity, agriculture, inland fisheries and coastal integrity for Tasmania’s future,” Mr McKim said.
Background
- World Wetlands Day is celebrated on the anniversary of the adoption of the international Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, 2 February 1971.
Tasmania’s 10 Ramsar listed wetlands are:
1.Moulting Lagoon
2.Logan Lagoon
3.Lavinia
4.Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon
5.Apsley Marshes
6.East Coast Cape Barren Islands Lagoons
7.Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River
8.Jocks Lagoon
9.Interlaken (Lake Crescent)
10.Little Waterhouse Lake