Winton Wetlands, the only official wetland of distinction outside of USA, hosts science forum

Dr Max Finlayson, an eminent wetland scientist and chair of Winton Wetlands' environmental advisory panel, told guests that a deeper understanding of wetdry cycles could bring benefits to land managers of all kinds.

“There are large opportunities (for wetland scientists) to work with private landholders to manage wetlands and conserve their biodiversity and ensure they benefit from the many ecosystem services they provide for humans,” Dr Finalyson said.

Emeritus Professor Peter Gell, of Federation University, told the forum there was a wide variety of ‘natural’ conditions for Australian wetlands, and this often made them quite different to many of their counterparts in other countries.

“Not only do we need to relish the times when they are wet and waterbirds and fish are breeding, we also need to appreciate that healthy wetlands are sometimes shallow or even dry, and that this is part of the natural pattern of variability,” Professor Gell said.

By appreciating the full range of ‘natural’ conditions in which Winton Wetlands and others exist, it was possible to gain better understanding of the adaptability of the plants and animals that live within wetlands, and assist humans with their own adaptability.

Forum organiser, and esteemed aquatic ecologist, Lance Lloyd said the international ‘Ramsar’ agreement on protection of important wetlands was vital, not just as a way to get international ‘listing’ but as a tool to promote the importance of protecting wetlands and making wise use of them.

With this in mind, Winton Wetlands Committee of Management was pressing on with its own efforts to achieve a Ramsar listing for Winton Wetlands, as other Australian Wetlands including Kakadu had done already.

Winton Wetlands has been designated as a Wetland of Distinction by the Society of Wetland Scientists, the first wetland outside of the USA to be given this honour.