In a time where climate change is looming large and fast, amidst the often-convoluted discourse of environmental priorities, the importance of our wetlands for ecological survival emerges with absolute clarity. And we find ourselves at a critical juncture: Where we must rapidly advance the conservation of these crucial ecosystems against the escalating impacts of climate change. It is imperative for us to recognise the vital importance of Western Australia's wetlands, to understand their precarious state, and to act decisively to protect the remaining 10% of what was once a thriving network.

Despite this, the plight of our wetlands often goes unnoticed by the broader public. This oversight highlights an immediate need for heightened awareness and action at both state and national levels. It's essential that we collectively acknowledge the necessity of wetlands in our ecological fabric, advocating for robust measures to ensure their restoration and enduring protection. Embedding this understanding into our national development frameworks is not just a matter of policy, but a communal responsibility that must become a shared and common knowledge.

Our wetlands, a tapestry of rich biodiversity and cultural history, are not simply landscapes; they are the pulsating heart of our environment. They stand as the cradle of civilisations, preserving millennia of ecological history and embodying immeasurable natural wealth. Recognising their intrinsic value, we also honour the profound wisdom of traditional Aboriginal knowledge, a legacy of thousands of years of symbiotic existence with these natural marvels. This ancient wisdom is available to us to inform our path forward in safeguarding what remains of these precious ecosystems.

Marking its 21st anniversary, the Annual WA Wetlands Conference, hosted at The Wetlands Centre in Cockburn, has evolved into a cornerstone event in wetland conservation and education. This milestone year in our collective endeavor to understand and protect these vital ecosystems promises to be particularly significant. Over two decades, the conference has grown into a crucible of innovative ideas and initiatives, enriching over 4,000 community members with essential knowledge and skills for wetland stewardship.

Aligned with the Ramsar Convention's 2025 theme, 'Protecting wetlands for our common future', this year's conference explores the intricate connections between wetland ecosystems across landscapes and their collective importance to our wellbeing and heritage. Spanning two days, the conference weaves a rich tapestry of expertise and experience, featuring keynote addresses by distinguished aquatic scientists and Indigenous academics, complemented by a diverse range of expert presentations, case studies, and workshops.

This year, we're expanding our focus to include a broader exploration of education, humanities, and community engagement in wetland conservation. This multidisciplinary approach will showcase how these pursuits foster the scientific, aesthetic, historic, social, and spiritual values of wetlands. By bridging science with human experience, we aim to deepen our understanding of wetlands' significance and inspire innovative approaches to their conservation.

We cordially invite you to join us at this landmark event. This is more than an opportunity to attend a conference; it is a chance to be part of a movement shaping the future of our wetlands. Engage with us in this platform of learning, sharing, and action. Celebrate World Wetlands Day, and be a voice for the countless lives depending on the survival of our wetlands. This conference is not just a celebration of wetlands; it is a clarion call to action, a pledge for change, and a stride towards a sustainable future where wetlands are recognised as vital connectors of our landscapes and ecosystems.