Capture the beauty of our wetlands and win

Monday 2 February marks World Wetlands Day, recognising the vital role that wetlands play in sustaining the health of our environment.

Celebrate these important ecosystems by enjoying some time out at a wetland near you!  Enter a new international photo competition for the chance to win a visit to a wetland of your choice.

Themed 'Wetlands for our Future' the competition is aimed at young people aged 15-24 years and closes on March 2 2015.  It has been launched by international wetland co-ordinating body, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat. Go to www.worldwetlandsday.org/en for more details.

Wetlands support a variety of wildlife, from native birds and fish, to insects and plants. These ecosystems are also important for balancing water flows and improving water quality. Wetlands will become even more crucial in the future, as water resources are put under increasing pressure and climate patterns become less reliable.

Over time, wetlands have declined to just 2.3% of their original extent in the Wellington region. Greater Wellington Regional Council is working with landowners to protect and restore the best of them.  Everyone has a part to play in ensuring the remaining wetlands are still around for future generations to enjoy. 

The Wellington region has some of New Zealand's most beautiful wetland sites. Enjoy one, or all of them, and put your photographic skills to the test. Here are our recommendations:

• Parangarahu Lakes East Harbour Regional Park managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council: www.gw.govt.nz/eastharbour/
• Boggy Pond at Wairarapa Moana managed by the Wairarapa Moana Partners: www.waiwetlands.org.nz/places-to-explore/
• Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve in the Porirua Harbour managed by Forest and Bird: www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/pauatahanui
• Fensham Reserve near Carterton managed by Forest & Bird: www.forestandbird.org.nz/what-we-do/reserves/fensham-reserve-carterton
• Waikanae Estuary managed by Department of Conservation:www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/land-and-freshwater/wetlands/wetlands-by-region/wellington-kapiti/waikanae-estuary/.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

World Wetlands Day is 2 February 2015: www.ramsar.org/activity/world-wetlands-day-2015

Photos available: 

Lake Kohangatera, East Harbour Park; Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve, Porirua; Wairio, Lake Wairarapa; Fensham Reserve, Carterton; Waikanae Estuary.

Contact: Media phone: 021 914 266