National wetland policies: The basics

Abstract

A national wetland policy is a published governmental statement that articulates how wetland conservation and management is to be achieved within a particular jurisdiction. The policy may be contained in a legally binding instrument, such as a statute or decree, or it may be contained in a nonlegally binding aspirational document. Ideally, a national wetland policy includes assessable goals, timelines for achievement of those goals, roles and responsibilities of various actors, and budget commitments that provide adequate financial support for implementation.