Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.
Australia currently has 67 Ramsar wetlands listed as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The Department, through the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, is the administrative authority within Australia for the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar convention
Managing wetlands
Australian Wetlands Database
Wetlands programs
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day is celebrated internationally each year on 2 February