BOOKINGS OPEN FOR RAMSAR WEEK 2025 CELEBRATING OUR INTERNATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT WETLANDS

Bookings are now open for Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) second annual Ramsar Week – a jam-packed week of fun, informative, free events from 17-21 March 2025 that celebrate the internationally significant Ramsar Wetland sites on our doorstep.

Ramsar Week 2025 raises awareness of the importance and value of Ramsar listed wetlands for communities of the Corangamite CMA region. 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. Many of our wetlands provide significant habitat for internationally migratory birds, as well as critically endangered locals such as the Orange Bellied Parrot.

Events include:

• Wetlands walk with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation at Lake Connewarre, Breakwater Swamp, and Balyang Sanctuary
• Corangamite water skink surveying with Candice Parker from Greening Australia at the Western District Lakes
• Restoration Revamp – a private property tour on Lake Corangamite with Greening Australia
• Environmental water at Reedy Lake, led by Corangamite CMA’s Jake van Dam
• Lake Bookar Birding Tour
• Mud Islands clean-up day
• Canoe tours of Swan Bay with a visit to the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre

“We are fortunate to have two Ramsar-listed wetland systems within the Corangamite CMA region,” said Corangamite CMA's Biodiversity Project Officer Hannah Wiggs.

“They are the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula site that covers approximately 22,694 hectares near Geelong, and the Western District Lakes site covering approximately 32,898 hectares around Camperdown.

“Two of the world’s most important wetland systems, they hold international significance for migratory birds and provide habitat for many threatened species. Sharing knowledge about the significance of these ecosystems fosters respect, understanding and ultimately the protection of the wetlands and their inhabitants.

"Ramsar Week encourages community involvement and we are thrilled to be hosting a series of events where people can learn more about our ecologically significant wetlands through hands-on activities at the wetlands,” said Ms Wiggs.

For bookings and more information visit ccma.vic.gov.au/ramsar-week/

This project is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to protecting and restoring Victoria’s waterways and catchments through the Maintaining the health, resilience and enjoyment of Victoria’s waterways, catchments and Country budget initiative.