The Commonwealth may designate a wetland for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International Importance kept under the Ramsar Convention only after seeking the agreement of relevant States, self - governing Territories and land - holders.

The Minister must make plans for managing wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention that are entirely in Commonwealth areas. The Commonwealth and Commonwealth agencies must not contravene such plans.

The Commonwealth must try to prepare and implement management plans for other wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, in co - operation with the relevant States and self - governing Territories.

The Commonwealth and Commonwealth agencies have duties relating to declared Ramsar wetlands in States and Territories.

The Commonwealth can provide assistance for the protection or conservation of declared Ramsar wetlands.