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 judgments
• It takes a 'holistic' view
• It is a continuous process. It is never static. It must adjust to changing conditions and goals.