Wetlands Australia 32: National Wetlands Update February 2020

Introduction

Wetlands Australia 2020 highlights Wetlands and Biodiversity, the global theme for World Wetlands Day, 2 February 2020.

This edition brings together a collection of stories exploring the incredible biodiversity of Australia’s wetlands. Wetland biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, clean water, water supply, storm protection, carbon storage, health and well-being, tourism and recreation and jobs. This edition also highlights the work by communities to understand, protect and restore our wetland biodiversity.

Many wetland ecosystems have been damaged in the recent drought and bushfires, highlighting the importance of those wetland habitats that remain, and the need to help our local wetlands to recover.

Wetlands can play an important role in mitigating the effects of drought and fires, by providing refuges for wildlife, acting as firebreaks and being sites from which plants and animals can re‑populate in the recovery phase.

Efforts are being made at all levels of government and within the community to assist the recovery of fire-affected habitats, including wetlands. This will involve weed and feral pest control, revegetation, water management and active interventions to support the feeding and breeding of particular species.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Wetlands Australia inspires you to value and conserve the biodiversity of Australia’s amazing wetlands..

If you would like to contribute to future editions of Wetlands Australia, please contact wetlandsmail@environment.gov.au and if you would like to subscribe to Wetlands Australia to receive new editions please sign up at: Wetlands Australia