| Abstract: | 1. British wetlands have a long history of over-exploitation, and there is evidence of a continuing decline. A significant body of obligations exists for the protection and wise use of British wetlands. However, there is an apparent failure of existing legislation and agreements adequately to protect the remaining resource. 2. Better coordination of wetland policy is required to avert a continuing piecemeal loss of the nation's wetland resource. A consultation exercise has revealed support, and opportunities, for closer collaboration between a wide range of organizations with responsibility for, or which otherwise affect, wetlands. There are many potential advantages to the development and acceptance of a single consistent definition and classification scheme, agreeable to all organizations with interests in wetlands. 3. To provide adequate protection for wetlands, it is essential that the wide-ranging socio-economic and ecological benefits they provide are accounted for in decision-making on all relevant development and land management issues, and are built into cost–benefit assessments and environmental statements prepared to support these decisions. 4. The development of a clear national wetland strategy, in fulfilment of the Ramsar Convention as ratified by the UK in 1976, is a key step towards the goal of protecting the nation's wetland resource. 5. The establishment of a National Wetland Forum, constituted by representatives from all wetland-related organizations and with support from Government, is of the highest priority if obligations to the wise and sustainable use of wetlands are to be met. Amongst the key tasks of this Forum would be the building of consensus on key issues, and assistance in the development of a national strategy for wetlands. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
