Wetland Restoration Symposia
Every two years, the National Wetland Trust organises a gathering of community groups, landowners, iwi, scientists, wetland managers and students who are interested in sharing and learning about wetland restoration. Usually spread over three days, the symposia include field trips, practical training opportunities, soapbox sessions and presentations from a wide range of enthusiasts and professionals.
The next symposium will be held in the Hawkes Bay in 2018. More details will be posted in mid 2017.
Wetland Restoration Symposium 2016: Nelson
Our 2016 symposium was held in Nelson, 10-12 February 2016. Almost 150 delegates from across New Zealand attended, representing agencies, councils, iwi, landowners, community groups, eco-tourism businesses, consultants, researchers, educators and enthusiasts.
The Symposium theme, Wetlands for Life, highlighted the vital role of wetlands in providing life-supporting ecosystem services, and opportunities to engage our young people in a life-time relationship with one of our most valuable, yet depleted ecosystem types.
The event was kicked off with an engaging and provocative presentation by Ruud Kleinpaste, and a surprise entrance of 30 young school children, who had been secretely invited to attend his talk. The children, from Nelson Central School listened intently for the 40 minute talk, and stayed on for another half hour asking Ruud many interesting questions. For the school this was a great start on their journey to become an EnviroSchool.
Session and workshop themes included
-
Indigenous biodiversity of wetlands
-
Engaging youth in wetland conservation and management
-
Environmental education and engagement
-
Citizen science projects and applications
-
Communities restoring wetlands
-
Advances in wetland science
Some of the presentations are available for download below.
Thanks to our sponsors for helping keep our event accessible to all.
