CORANGAMITE CMA THANKS COMMUNITY AND PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING RAMSAR WEEK 2026

Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) would like to thank community members, partners and presenters for their strong support of Ramsar Week 2026, the third annual event.

Held from 2–6 February across the Corangamite region’s two internationally recognised Ramsar sites, the week-long program marked World Wetlands Day (2 February) and featured free, expert led activities and tours designed to showcase the ecological significance of local wetlands.

Across the five days, over 200 participants engaged in on Country and guided experiences at the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) & Bellarine Peninsula and Western District Lakes Ramsar sites, deepening public understanding of wetland values and the species they support. Activities included canoe tours of both the Barwon Estuary and Swan Bay, a cultural education session led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, birdwatching across both Ramsar precincts, wetland ecology talks, and opportunities to learn about water science and threatened species and explore lesser known and harder to reach Ramsar sites.

“Ramsar Week is about connecting people with place,” Hannah Wiggs, Project Officer - Biodiversity and Ramsar Week event organiser said.

“The community’s enthusiasm to learn, participate and share knowledge plays a vital role in protecting wetlands of global importance for future generations.

“The range of events across the week highlighted the rarity and biodiversity of Ramsar wetlands and their role as critical habitat for migratory birds and threatened species.”

Corangamite CMA would like to thank partners Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Birdlife Australia, Greening Australia, Bellarine Catchment Network, Eco Logic, The University of Melbourne, Federation University, Melbourne Water and Victorian Fisheries Authority, for providing support and expertise to help make this year’s Ramsar Week valued by all involved.

Ramsar Week is part of Corangamite CMA’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and wetland stewardship. The initiative celebrates wetlands as some of the world’s most productive ecosystems and encourages practical actions to support their health at a local scale.

As part of its commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments, this project is funded by the Victorian Government.

Background

Ramsar wetlands are those included on the List of Wetlands of International Importance developed under the Ramsar Convention. Wetlands achieve Ramsar status through their rarity and ability to support biological diversity.

The Corangamite CMA region is home to two Ramsar listed wetlands: the Port Philip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site, and the Western District Lakes Ramsar site. Corangamite CMA works with partners to manage the two Ramsar sites, which comprise over 55,000 hectares of Ramsar-listed wetlands, helping to maintain their ecological character.

Find out more by visiting, https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/ramsar-wetlands/