The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) established a legislative framework that allows the Australian Government to manage environmental protection through an assessment and approvals process; and biodiversity conservation through species and site listing, recovery and management planning.
Under the EPBC Act any action that has, will have, or is likely to have a significant impact on a matter of National Environmental Significance (NES) is required to undergo an assessment and approvals process. Matters of NES cover a range of issues including Ramsar wetlands and migratory species listed under international treaties such as the Australian agreements with Japan (JAMBA), China (CAMBA), Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA), and the Bonn Convention.
The EPBC Act also provides a process for the designation and management of Ramsar wetlands. The [Australian Ramsar management principles](ARMPs) have been developed under regulations to help guide the management of Ramsar wetlands.
Similarly, the EPBC Act allows for the preparation of wildlife conservation plans, which may be of assistance in the management and protection of listed migratory waterbirds.