WETLANDS and WATERBIRDS Conference

Conference Registration and Programme

MANAGING for RESILIENCE

LEETON, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
9-12 November 2009

Contact

If you wish to make a presentation, register or receive updates, email: temp@tempmanagement.com.au

Conference themes

The populations of many species of waterbirds around the World are known to be in decline, as is the extent and condition of the wetlands that support them. There are many causes but predominant among them are the continuing increases in the demands of the human population and global climate change.  How should we manage our wetlands and waterbirds to ensure the maximum conservation benefit? Waterbirds are valuable indicator species and through managing them much of the aquatic flora and fauns can be protected.

1.  Assessing the resource: present and future status of wetlands
Waterbirds depend on wetlands.  What is the present condition of our wetlands? Changes are predicted as a consequence of global climate change.  What will these changes mean for wetlands?

2.  Assessing the resource: status of waterbird populations
Our ability to manage and assess the effects of management depend on our ability to quantify the resource- the populations of waterbirds. How good is our ability to assess waterbird populations? What are the current trends in waterbird populations? What are the likely future trends?

3.  Managing inland wetlands

4.  Managing estuaries and coastal lagoons
Estuaries and coastal lagoons are important for resident species but especially so for migratory species.  They are also particular vulnerable to changes in river flows and rising sea levels and are often affected by human development.

5.  Contribution of artificial wetlands
There are many forms of artificial or constructed wetlands, including agricultural habitats such as rice fields, sewage treatment facilities and water storage facilities.  These all have the potential to contribute to the conservation of waterbirds.  How valuable are such habitats and how could they be managed to improve their value.

6.  General Sessions

7.  Where to from here?
What actions are needed for the future to improve our knowledge and management of wetlands and waterbirds?