1. Wetland Link International WLI North America Chris Rostron, WLI Global Co-ordinator

2. Wetland Link International Set up in 1991 Focus on CEPA at wetland centres MoC with Ramsar Website, resources, forum Regional networks Over 350 members worldwide

3. What is a wetland centre? “A wetland site with a built structure where people find out about wetlands” Government, private, NGO or community run Visitors – range from 10’s to 1,000’s per year Urban, suburban, rural, wilderness Themed – birds/animals, habitats, recreation, tourism etc + +

4. Why are wetland centres important? People now have a reduced contact with wildlife Misconceptions and distrust mean people don’t visit wetlands Centres offer a unique interface between people and wetlands Managed interaction is safe and positive Trained and enthusiastic staff Gateway to wider countryside

5. WLI North America Canada and the US Contact list of around 50 organisations WLI N. America symposium held at SWS meeting in Madison, 2009 Core group active Bids submitted Wetland centre guide for North America WLI North America page on the website

6. Proposed WLI North America meet 2013 Interest in hosting the meeting in Canada, October 2013 Catalyst for WLI N. America Opportunity to share information Development of the WLI N. America network Size dependent on funding

7. How can WLI help? Provide overview of wetland centres in N. America and beyond Get messages out about wetlands Source of expertise and experience Training and capacity building Communication tool Support and belonging Support the link to Ramsar www.wli.org.uk wli@wwt.org.uk