3. Overview of the overall wetland
management planning process
Successful management planning is characterized by the
following features (after Thomas & Middleton 2003):
• It is a process, not an event
• It is concerned with the future.
• It provides a mechanism for thinking about threats and
opportunities and other difficult issues, for solving problems
and promoting discussion between involved parties.
• It is systematic
• It also involves value judgements
• It takes a 'holistic' view
• It is a continuous process. It is never static. It must adjust to
changing conditions and goals.