Determining baselines in wetlands

    Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperConference paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    The Ramsar Convention has formalised the concept of determining baselines in wetlands asa means of ascertaining change in the ecological character of wetlands. This has generallybeen based on the assignment of a baseline or reference condition at a point in time wheresuitable data is available. In some instances, this has been equated with a pre-disturbancestate. At the same time, there have also been difficulties in describing the natural successionand variability within these states. This reflects a difficulty to come to grips with theecological processes that shape and change wetlands in both short and longer time periods.The advent of global change, including climate change, has further complicated efforts toascertain the ecological condition of wetlands and to determine when a wetland haschanged adversely in response to human activities. In response, attempts are being made topredict the future condition of wetlands under climate change and to identify thresholds forwhat is generally seen as adverse change. A fundamental stumbling block has been theextent of information on which to base such assessments.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the Australia-China Wetland Network Research Partnership Symposium
    EditorsGiri Kattel
    Place of PublicationMt Helen, Australia
    PublisherFederation University Australia
    Pages6-9
    Number of pages4
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventACWNRP 2014 - Nanjing, China, China
    Duration: 23 Mar 201428 Mar 2014

    Conference

    ConferenceACWNRP 2014
    Country/TerritoryChina
    Period23/03/1428/03/14

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