February 2 is World Wetlands Day, aiming to show how important these ecosystems are. The theme this year is wetlands and human wellbeing, writes PETER BRIDGEWATER. 

Sometimes when mozzies or worse attack us, it may seem wetlands are not very people friendly, but research is showing there are mental health benefits of being able to relax in, by, or on wetlands. 

And of course, they contribute to dampening (no pun intended) the effects of flooding and drought and help purify polluted waters.

The efforts by ACT government to construct wetlands along our sadly canalised creeks has been reasonably successful, although the choice of species to help remove pollutants could be better.

However, there is another aspect to wetlands in our city and territory that we should be considering. 

Little discussed is the idea of an International Wetland City under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 

This voluntary scheme provides an opportunity for cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts. 

It was first discussed in 2015 at the meeting of the Ramsar Convention COP in the following way: “This accreditation would encourage cities that are close to and depend on wetlands, primarily Wetlands of International Importance, but also other wetlands, to establish a positive relationship with these wetlands through increased participation and awareness and consideration of wetlands in local planning and decision making.”

Such an international designation would give our city the recognition it deserves – and perhaps keep our politicians honest. 

Listing as a UNESCO World Heritage site or Biosphere Reserve was discussed in the past. 

A National Park City was mooted by MLA Dr Marisa Paterson in 2021 through a motion in the ACT Legislative Assembly. 

National Park Cities are a new type of designation that recognises cities that are committed to improving the health and well-being of their citizens by promoting and enhancing their natural environment. 

Yet this idea is mostly nonsense – cities are cities, National Parks should be National Parks and these concepts are obviously quite separate. 

In 2019, London was designated as the world’s first National Park City, and so far is the only one so designated. 

Perhaps because National Parks in the UK are described by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as protected landscapes rather than the national parks we are familiar with in Australia, it makes sense. 

But, just because London brands itself as such because it has nice gardens and greenspaces under Royal Charter, does not cut the mustard for Canberra.

So, would nomination as an International Wetland City make sense?

Canberra, by design, has many watery spaces, not all necessarily that well cared for! 

But the key role of Jerrabomberra wetlands in supporting biodiversity – especially as a base for Latham’s Snipe in its annual migration between Australia and Japan, puts us firmly in the frame. 

Currently, the guidelines for designation suggest such cities ideally have a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention within its boundaries or connected to it. 

Ginini Flats is such a wetland, and does feed the Cotter River, our key water supply.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme has now resulted in a total of 43 cities in 17 countries recognised by the Ramsar Convention. 

Currently, China leads the world in the number of such designations and uses the designation to improve wetland quality and sustainability. 

Australia has been lukewarm in the debates on International Wetland City establishment in Ramsar Convention meetings, which is disappointing.

The Wetland City Accreditation scheme encourages cities near and dependent on wetlands, to highlight and strengthen a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems. 

Increased public awareness of wetlands and participation in municipal planning and decision-making will be a result.

Acceptance as an International Wetland City will further promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well helping achieve relevant international sustainable development goals. 

It will also position Canberra and the ACT as a source of information and ideas on the conservation and wise use of wetlands. 

We can also help with regional and international co-operation on wetland management, especially in the Pacific.

So, get out and enjoy the wealth of natural, semi-natural, and artificial wetlands Canberra has to offer on February 2, and talk to your community and MLAs about nominating Canberra as an International Wetland City!

Peter Bridgewater is a former secretary general of the Ramsar Convention and an adjunct professor in Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Governance at the Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra.