Geoscience Reference
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addressing the biological, hydrological, chemi-
cal, terrestrial, engineering, socio-cultural and
economic aspects of sustainably managing this
resource. Moreover, wetlands are generally part
of a larger watershed or drainage basin and
hence both upstream and downstream impacts
of any alterations to a wetland site must be
considered.
The Ramsar Convention has similarly advo-
cated an integrated wise-use strategy when man-
aging wetlands, arguing for the “maintenance
of their ecological character, achieved through
the implementation of ecosystem approaches,
within the context of sustainable develop-
ment” (Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2007b,
p. 12). Ramsar uses the Brundtland Commission
Report's dei nition of sustainable development
as that which meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future gen-
erations to meet their own needs (World Com-
mission on Environment and Development
1987). Recognizing the vital role wetlands play
in providing services and products to dependent
communities, Ramsar advises a management
approach that tempers development with the
maintenance and enhancement of this ecosys-
tem to ensure its long-term sustainability.
particular wetland site. It dei nes goals and out-
comes and provides the framework for sustain-
ing an outlined conservation and development
management strategy. In general, wetland man-
agement plans are stewardship plans that con-
sider the sustainability of a wetland site not in
isolation, but in relation to its surrounding geo-
graphy, land uses, and communities.
As planners suggest, several factors inl uence
the success of a management plan in realizing its
objectives (Creighton 1992; Steiner 2000). Plans
need careful preparation and clearly dei ned
implementation strategies and administrative
responsibilities with realistic budgets and time-
lines to meet desired goals and objectives. They
need to be adaptive or responsive to feedback
received during the entire planning process. Wet-
lands are multifaceted and dynamic ecosystems
and plans should be l exible enough to incorpo-
rate both expert and stakeholder feedback by
i ne-tuning strategies and practices. Doing so
would more appropriately rel ect changing
conditions and result in productive outcomes.
Finally, management plans developed in consul-
tation with a wide range of stakeholders and
receiving their broad support have the greatest
chances of success. The general steps in the
wetland management planning process are out-
lined below (Fig. 12-2) and follow suggestions
from planners and wetland managers (Steiner
2000; Ramsar Convention Secretariat 2007b).
12.3 Wetland management plans
A wetland management plan, like any compre-
hensive land-use plan, outlines a vision for
the future stewardship and development of a
•
Vision
- All resource management plans
require an initial vision statement. This
Figure 12-2.
Schematic illustration of steps involved for wetland management planning.
