Birds matter, Ramsar matters
Life in the air
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“The events on Victoria’s (Australia) Ramsar wetlands are not only crimes against nature, they are also crimes against the child. The last thing the world needs is governments encouraging gun violence and extreme acts of cruelty to animals from children as young as twelve years old”.
Given the numerous international examples and networks, we have raised the issue of the educational opportunities, at school and college level, made possible by the presence of Ramsar sites within a region, with Victorian Government Ministers over many years. The result is that we have been completely ignored.
“From all around the world we are hearing that children are becoming more and more disconnected from nature. I am so pleased and impressed that you have such a strong interest in the environment and in the wetlands. The secretariat is trying to do more with children who are knowledgeable and active and trying to inspire those who are not yet engaged.” Dr Christopher Briggs, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention (January 2014)
Instead and ten years later:
Victoria’s game Management Authority (GMA), as the independent regulator, is actively marketing duck shooting to young children. Part of this marketing package includes brochures, booklets and stickers, bespoke GMA duck shooting caps manufactured in the US and bags which were handed out to children in 2024.
What is required is a contemporary and honourable approach to Ramsar Wetlands in Victoria. This means:
- Embracing the spirit of the Ramsar Convention;
- A proper respect for the natural world, education and the wellbeing of children;
- Respecting and implementing contemporary economic development opportunities;
- Treating Ramsar sites with respect;
- Proper signage and information systems, including information on signs about which bird species may be present;
- A welcome mat for international visitors, that is to provide international visitors with the opportunity to enjoy and learn from their visits to Victoria’s Ramsar sites and see the often unique and spectacular birdlife;
- A respect for law and order;
- Conduct conservation measures on Victoria’s Ramsar sites to protect birdlife rather than allowing the cruel slaughter of birdlife that is devastating stressed populations of waterbirds; and
- Protection of endangered species of birds and other animals that live on or visit Ramsar wetlands in Victoria (many endangered birds have been wounded and killed on Victoria’s Ramsar sites).
Delisting threatened species
As more and more species are added to the threatened species list in Australia, the Hardhead in Victoria is delisted.
“The Victorian Minister for the Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, has also signed off on the removal of one of Australia's most unique native waterbirds, the Hardhead (Aythya australis), from the threatened species list, just three years after it was put on it”. Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting
Ramsar sites as no-go-zones
The impact of the large scale and threatening shooting activities on these Ramsar sites, a significant number signposted as game reserves, turns regions into no-go-zones as tourists and bird watchers avoid the Ramsar site shooting zones.
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