CORANGAMITE CMA ANNOUNCES RAMSAR WEEK 12-16TH FEBRUARY 2024

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) proudly presents Ramsar Week 2024. Ramsar Week (February 12-16th) serves as a dedicated event to elevate awareness regarding the ecological significance of Ramsar Wetland sites. 

With ten activities unfolding throughout the week, Ramsar Week offers a range of diverse activities such as Wetland Bird ID Walks set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Martin and Avalon Saltworks, Canoe Tours of Swan Bay, Corangamite Water Skink Surveying, an Orange-bellied Parrot Information session and so much more. 

Ramsar Week seeks to raise awareness of the importance and value of the wetlands within the broader communities of the Corangamite CMA region. Education and shared knowledge about the significance of these ecosystems for society will aid in the respect shown for and protection of the wetlands and their inhabitants. 

This week-long initiative fosters community involvement, enabling individuals to enhance their understanding of these crucial wetlands through hands-on activities. 

The Corangamite CMA covers 13,340 square kilometres of south-western Victoria; two Ramsar-listed wetland systems are within the region. The Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula site covers approximately 22,694 ha near Geelong, and the Western District Lakes site covers approximately 32,898 ha around Camperdown. 

For more information and to register your attendance, visit https://ccma.vic.gov.au/events/. 

Corangamite CMA's Rachael Beecham, Project Officer – Biodiversity, said, "We are thrilled to offer this event and provide individuals with an opportunity to upskill and gain valuable knowledge and tools to contribute to the preservation of these ecologically significant wetlands".

"Ramsar Week is a testament to the commitment to environmental stewardship, inviting people to connect with the richness of the plants and diverse wildlife thriving in their local landscapes”, Mrs Beecham continued. 

The Corangamite CMA has partnered with Greening Australia, Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre, Birdlife Australia, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Friends of Edwards Point Reserve Inc, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to deliver several of the activities. 

This project is supported by Corangamite CMA, through funding from the Victorian State Government which is part of a $248 million investment to improve the health of waterways and catchments across Victoria.

-ENDS-