November 2012: The Global Water Forum (GWF), affiliated with the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), released a discussion paper outlining initiatives to protect freshwater ecosystems in Australia, including its signature of the UN Stockholm Declaration, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention), the World Charter for Nature and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The paper, titled “Protection of Australia’s Freshwater Ecosystems,” by Jonathan Nevill, OnlyOnePlanet Consulting, assesses the efficacy of Australia’s programmes to protect aquatic biodiversity. It notes that systematic progress in preserving terrestrial biodiversity has not translated into conservation of aquatic ecosystems. The paper argues that establishment of Ramsar sites has been ineffective, as waters necessary for ecosystem conservation are drained and dammed before they enter into the reserves. Nevill calls for a “gap analysis” of Australian reserves to serve as the basis for expansion of Australian reserve system. He noted the models of Canada’s “Heritage Rivers” and the US’ “Wild and Scenic Rivers” for protection of river and stream ecosystems. [Publication: Protection of Australia’s Freshwater Ecosystems] [GWF Website]