Wetlands Australia National Wetlands Update 2012
Issue No. 20, February 2012
ISSN 1446-4843
Coastal 20 - an investment for future tourism and recreation
Adam Gosling, Project Manager - Coastal 20, WetlandCare Australia
The comb-crested jacana occurs on coastal freshwater wetlands and uses its long legs and exceptionally long toes to walk on aquatic vegetation (Adam Gosling)
Since colonisation, coastal wetlands have been largely under-valued in Australia, leading to significant loss and degradation. The environmental, social, cultural and economic values of coastal wetlands are only beginning to be fully appreciated. Our coasts, rivers, lakes, mangroves and other wetlands systems are a valuable recreational and tourism resource. Not only do they contribute substantial income to regional economies, they also contribute to the health and wellbeing of communities.
The nature-based tourism industry contributes $23 billion to the Australian economy every year and is the fastest growing sector of the tourism market (Tourism and Transport Forum, 2011). Wetlands are an integral component of this tourism sector and provide visitors with unique aesthetic and recreational experiences. Wetlands are therefore intrinsically linked with tourism and the economic return of this market to regional economies.
Historic and current land use continues to seriously impact coastal wetlands. In highly populated coastline areas up to 90 per cent of wetlands have been lost since European settlement (Finlayson, 2000; Usback & James 1993). Increasing population places them under continual threat. This invariably has negative repercussions for their recreational and tourism value.
The significance of coastal wetlands
Valued as a source of food, medicine and tools, coastal wetlands are of great cultural significance to traditional owners who have carefully managed these wetlands for tens of thousands of years to ensure their sustainability. Land management practices have been altered since European settlement and it is only recently that the full values of wetlands are being recognised by wider society. The wide range of services provided for all communities include:
The health of wetlands attracts visitors to explore their beauty (Adam Gosling)
- groundwater replenishment
- shoreline stabilisation and storm protection
- sediment and nutrient retention and export
- water purification
- reservoirs of biodiversity
- nurseries for recreational and commercial fish species
- cultural values
- recreation and tourism
- climate change mitigation and adaptation.
These ecosystem services have been estimated to contribute trillions of US dollars' worth of services each year worldwide to human health and wellbeing (Costanza et al., 1997). It is essential that the true dollar value of these services is recognised by decision-makers and the community to ensure these vital ecosystems are fully appreciated and protected.
The Coastal 20 Wetland Project
In WetlandCare Australia's 20th year of operation, Australia's leading wetland conservation organisation has embarked on an important initiative, the $2.5 million Coastal 20 Wetland Project, which is funded under the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program. This project involves a range of on-ground, education and community engagement activities to undertake the restoration of 20 coastal wetlands that span 1000 kilometres of the northern New South Wales and south-east Queensland coastlines.
The Coastal 20 project team is working with the community and key stakeholders to identify and prioritise major impacts at the 20 wetlands, and to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Management actions identified during this process will bring about considerable environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits.
The primary focus of the Coastal 20 Wetland Project is on-ground works aimed at coastal wetland rehabilitation and protection. A range of complementary community education and engagement activities have also been designed to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of on-ground actions.
Bird watching is an increasing popular tourism and recreational past time (Adam Gosling)
Tourism
There are a number of synergies between the goals of organisations like WetlandCare Australia and the tourism industry. WetlandCare Australia is working with tourism providers and regional tourism bodies to identify opportunities for education through the Coastal 20 Wetland Project and for greater involvement of the tourism industry to contribute to the sustainability of our wetland assets. Investing in environmental projects such as Coastal 20 not only protects the environmental value of wetlands, it also reaps a significant financial return for dependent industries including tourism and recreation providers.
With such catastrophic loss of coastal wetlands and the continued threat of further loss, on-ground works to reverse the trend are essential if coastal wetlands are to survive and continue to function effectively. The Coastal 20 Wetland Project will help to protect these precious resources for the ecosystem services and enjoyment of future generations.
For more information on the Coastal 20 Wetlands Project and how you can be involved please contact Adam Gosling at WetlandCare Australia, adamgosling@wetlandcare.com.au or visit the WetandCare website.
For further information contact adamgosling@wetlandcare.com.au or visit:
