ACTION PLAN FOR CONSERVING WETLANDS

Investigating the economic benefits of wetlands is a step in the direction of formulating Wetlands Conservation Action Plan (WCAP). The WCAP should be a cooperative programme involving government and non-governmental organisations in efforts to establish a comprehensive wetlands conservation programme for their restoration, conservation and management. The goal is to create, reclaim, rehabilitate and protect wetland habitat in the watershed basin or a catchment based on ecosystem management approach. The strategies towards this goal are  [http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/docs/glwcap1997-2000-e.html]:

1. increase public awareness and commitment to protect wetlands from becoming extinct through a variety of outreach materials and activities;
2. develop a wetland database and increase understanding of wetland dynamics;
3. promote the wetland conservation in State protected areas;
4. enhance co-operation among State, District, Regional and Non Government partners;
5. strengthen legislation, policies, agreements and compliance;
6. strengthen local planning and commitment to protect wetlands;
7. improve coordination and planning between government and non-governmental organisations; and
8. evaluate the outcome of the programme and ensure a sound scientific basis for policy.