Handbook to help Wetland Centres worldwide

canoe safari at WWT Wetland CentreVisitors to Wetland Centres all over the world could have an even better experience from this World Environment Day thanks to a new handbook published today with help from WWT Consulting and Wetland Link International.

Wetlands are where land meets water and they are home to more wildlife than almost anywhere else on the planet. They also do vital stuff for people, like supply and filter our water and protect us from flooding.

WWT Slimbridge became the world’s first Wetland Centre when it opened in 1946. It uniquely mixed conservation and research with an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Since then, WWT has opened eight more Wetland Centres in the UK and other organisations have replicated the model at hundreds of wetlands all around the world.

The new handbook presents lessons drawn from the real life experiences of the people who run Wetland Centres. The shared experiences will help establish new wetland centres and enable existing centres to run better and do more to connect people to wetlands.

Wetland Centre handbookThe content was gathered at a global meeting of Wetland Centre managers, supported by WWT Consulting and Wetland Link International, who then helped edit the guidebook which has been commissioned and published by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Environment Ecosystem Research Foundation.

Marie Banks of WWT Consulting said:

“We believe Wetland Centres are the best way give people an unforgettable experience that leaves them better understanding and more connected to wetlands. Around the world, the resources and support available to Wetland Centres varies hugely, so it’s fantastic to bring together this reservoir of experience and make it available to all. Ultimately it’s about giving the public a better experience.”

Mr Chris Rostron, Head of Wetland Link International said:

“The handbook has been designed by and written for Wetland Centre managers. It contains detailed practical advice from leading wetland centres such as the Hong Kong Wetland Park in China and the Hunter Wetlands Centre in Australia, as well as many smaller ones. There should be something for everyone in here.”

WWT Consulting is a subsidiary of WWT and for the last 25 years has given specialist advice around the world on planning and designing visitor centres and wetland habitats.

Wetland Link International, who worked alongside WWT Consulting, was set up by WWT in 1991 as a network for wetland centres to share best practice, give each other moral support and develop how learning and fun are used to engage people at wetland centres. Wetland Link International is still based at WWT’s headquarters at Slimbridge and today has nearly 300 wetland centre members.

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