Hunter Wetlands Centre invited to prestigious international conservation conference
Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort.
Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium.
"Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said.
"We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour."
The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species.
"The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said.
Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands.
"This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said.
The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23.
The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference.
Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort.
Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium.
"Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said.
"We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour."
The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species.
"The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said.
Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands.
"This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said.
The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23.
The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference.
Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort.
Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium.
"Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said.
"We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour."
The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species.
"The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said.
Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands.
"This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said.
The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23.
The Hunter Wetland Centre will be represented among 170 other nations at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe later this month as delegates from across the world meet for a prestigious international conference.
Christine Prietto, the Wetlands Centre's Ramsar officer, will head up the Australian delegation at the 15th Conference on the International Convention for Wetlands, where she will meet with government representatives and other experts to further the global conservation effort.
Ms Prietto will be an official adviser to the Australian Government in recognition of her 20 years of participation in the Convention on Wetlands, her role as Australia's NGO Focal Point for Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness and her valuable advice on related matters in the recent triennium.
"Having the Hunter Estuary Wetlands represented at an international level provides an opportunity to network and engage with environmentalists, conservationists and government agencies from around the world," Ms Prietto said.
"We are extremely proud of our wetlands and the work we have done in preserving them. To share the story of our Centre, and the region, on the global stage is a great honour."
The 3000ha Hunter Estuary Wetlands site takes in the Hunter Wetlands National Park, first listed in 1984, and the Hunter Wetlands Centre, which was added in 2002. It is one of only 67 Australian sites formally recognised under the Convention as a Wetlands of International Importance. Inclusion on the 'Ramsar list' - derived from a treaty that promotes wetlands and their preservation - is reserved for wetlands considered rare, unique or critical for supporting vulnerable species.
"The Hunter Estuary is one of the most biologically diverse wetlands in Australia. A quarter of Australia's avian species live in, or visit, the region annually. It is also a seasonal destination for a number of species on international migrations from as far away as Alaska, including the endangered Godwit." Ms Prietto said.
Meanwhile, in a first for the region, two Hunter-based photographers have had their images selected by the Ramsar Secretariat for display at the Conference. The photographs taken by Melissa New and Sarah Nelson showcase the beauty and biodiversity of our local wetlands.
"This is a great honour for Melissa, Sarah and the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site. The selection of their wonderful images reinforces just how special the Hunter Wetlands are, not only for our local community but globally." Ms Prietto said.
The international convention begins on Wednesday, July 23.
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