The Ord River, Western Australia (2009) Photo: M. McAulay
The Department is committed to conserving and promoting the wise use of wetlands across Australia, in accordance with its commitments under the Ramsar Convention and responsibilities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The Department works with other governments, non-government organisations and the community in developing and implementing the best possible management of Australia's wetlands.
The Department also promotes the principles of the Ramsar Convention within the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions.
The Australian Government programs related to wetlands include:
- Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness Programme: The Ramsar Convention's Programme on Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) was established to help raise awareness of wetland values and functions
- Queensland Wetlands Program: The Queensland Wetlands Program was established to protect wetlands in the Great Barrier Reef catchment and throughout Queensland.