Steve Parish Publishing

Wetland flora and fauna and biodiversity aren’t the only casualties of damaged wetlands — humans are also affected. Wetlands act as giant sponges or water filters, soaking up heavy rain and purifying the water before slowly releasing it into the soil. They help control our water supplies, act as barriers to reduce the impact of flooding, are important fish and frog nurseries, and help capture and recycle nutrients and filter sediments.

Despite their global importance, wetlands are particularly vulnerable due to the pressures from unsustainable land practices and increasing development and pollution along our waterways. WetlandCare Australia welcomes dedicated volunteers and members to participate in natural resource management projects such as the Coastal Wetland Protection program in Qld (with Conservation Volunteers Australia) and the Sustainable Coastal Wetlands Project (covering NSW coastal wetlands from Tweed Heads to Gosford). Visit their website www.wetlandcare.com.au to be involved. Steve Parish spoke on the topic “Using art and photography as a means of raising awareness about conservation issues and supporting conservation initiatives” at Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre on 1 February.

"I firmly believe that education and conservation initiatives like this are crucial in helping us understand more about our planet in order to protect it. In fact, I believe it is the only way we can save this planet from environmental catastrophe, which is also why I recently published Amazing Facts about Australia’s Wildlife Conservation, which was released in February. Like all habitats, wetlands are vital ecosystems to many animals, humans included. They act as important 'water filters' and are powerful places of growth and regeneration. I was delighted to meet so many people committed to conserving these beautiful and fragile habitats." - Steve Parish

Above: Steve Parish with competition winners Talia Fell and Sam Lucas.

Far left: Steve with WCA staff (left to right) Cassie Price, Nicola Sheard, Nicci Carter & Liz Hajenko.

Left: Steve Parish with sponsors (left to right) Philip Samson, Chairman, Sydney Metropolitan CMA; Andrew McIntyre, Manager of Biodiversity and Conservation, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change; Rob Freeman, CEO, Murray-Darling Basin Authority; Tom Gavel, Chairman, Central West CMA.

Click here to visit the online gallery of winning works in the WetlandCare National Art Competition 2009.

Photos reproduced courtesy of WetlandCare Australia.