Conservation in Australia
Encyclopedia
Conservation in Australia is an issue of state and federal policy. Australia
is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large portion of species endemic
to Australia. Preserving this wealth of biodiversity
is important for future generations.
Animal
habitat
s like reef
s and forest
s must be preserved in order to preserve population and diversity of animal species. Conservation is vital for future study and for field research
to be undertaken, and because biological richness is an unmeasurable aesthetic that may be developed into commercial recreation
al attractions.
According to Janine Benyus
, the potential for advances in biomimicry
in Australia are great because the extreme weather
and conditions found here provide an excellent evolution
ary incubator. Research on natural processes can only occur if habitat is preserved and organism
s continue to thrive.
Federal and State governments manage protected areas and national parks; a number of non-governmental organizations are also involved in conservation.
s. The destruction of habitat by human activities, including land clearing, remains the major cause of biodiversity loss in Australia. The importance of the Australian rainforests to the conservation movement is very high. Australia is the only western
country to have large areas of rainforest intact. Forests provide timber
, drug
s, and food
and should be managed to maximize the possible uses. Currently, there are a number of environmental movements and campaigners advocating for action on saving the environment, one such campaign is the Big Switch.
Land management
issues including clearance of native vegetation, reafforestation of once-cleared areas, control of exotic weeds and pests, expansion of dryland salinity
, and changed fire
regimes. Intensification of resource use in sectors such as forestry
, fisheries
, and agriculture
are widely reported to contribute to biodiversity loss in Australia. Coastal and marine
environments also have reduced biodiversity from reduced water quality caused by pollution
and sediments arising from human settlements and agriculture. In central New South Wales
where there are large plains of grassland, problems have risen from—unusual to say—lack of land clearing.
Before European settlement, Aborigines
burnt the grassland regularly for thousands of years and eventually native animals became dependent on the grasslands and the regular burning. When European
s settled the area in the early 19th century, their ignorance lead to the destruction of the grassland through lack of regular burning. Thus the grasslands were swallowed up by woody weeds and shrub, degrading the soil, accelerating erosion and reducing the biodiversity.
Specific issues:
and 16 World Heritage Site
s. , 10.8% (774,619.51 km²) of the total land area of Australia is within a protected area. Protected marine zones have been created in many areas to preserve marine biodiversity; as of 2002 they cover about 7% (646,000 km²) of Australia's marine jurisdiction.
Protected areas of include those managed by the federal Department of the Environment and Heritage
, and national park
s and other protected areas managed by the states, Agencies responsible for protected areas include:
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large portion of species endemic
Endemic (ecology)
Endemism is the ecological state of being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation or other defined zone, or habitat type; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsewhere. For example, all species of lemur are endemic to the...
to Australia. Preserving this wealth of biodiversity
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life forms within a given ecosystem, biome, or an entire planet. Biodiversity is a measure of the health of ecosystems. Biodiversity is in part a function of climate. In terrestrial habitats, tropical regions are typically rich whereas polar regions...
is important for future generations.
Animal
Animal
Animals are a major group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia or Metazoa. Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their life. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and...
habitat
Habitat (ecology)
A habitat is an ecological or environmental area that is inhabited by a particular species of animal, plant or other type of organism...
s like reef
Reef
In nautical terminology, a reef is a rock, sandbar, or other feature lying beneath the surface of the water ....
s and forest
Forest
A forest, also referred to as a wood or the woods, is an area with a high density of trees. As with cities, depending where you are in the world, what is considered a forest may vary significantly in size and have various classification according to how and what of the forest is composed...
s must be preserved in order to preserve population and diversity of animal species. Conservation is vital for future study and for field research
Research
Research can be defined as the scientific search for knowledge, or as any systematic investigation, to establish novel facts, solve new or existing problems, prove new ideas, or develop new theories, usually using a scientific method...
to be undertaken, and because biological richness is an unmeasurable aesthetic that may be developed into commercial recreation
Recreation
Recreation is an activity of leisure, leisure being discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is an essential element of human biology and psychology. Recreational activities are often done for enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure and are considered to be "fun"...
al attractions.
According to Janine Benyus
Janine Benyus
Janine M. Benyus is an American natural sciences writer, innovation consultant, and author.-Life:Benyus graduated summa cum laude from Rutgers University with degrees in natural resource management and english literature/writing. Benyus teaches interpretive writing, lectures at the University of...
, the potential for advances in biomimicry
Biomimicry
Biomimicry or biomimetics is the examination of nature, its models, systems, processes, and elements to emulate or take inspiration from in order to solve human problems. The term biomimicry and biomimetics come from the Greek words bios, meaning life, and mimesis, meaning to imitate...
in Australia are great because the extreme weather
Extreme weather
Extreme weather includes weather phenomena that are at the extremes of the historical distribution, especially severe or unseasonal weather. The most commonly used definition of extreme weather is based on an event's climatological distribution. Extreme weather occurs only 5% or less of the time...
and conditions found here provide an excellent evolution
Evolution
Evolution is any change across successive generations in the heritable characteristics of biological populations. Evolutionary processes give rise to diversity at every level of biological organisation, including species, individual organisms and molecules such as DNA and proteins.Life on Earth...
ary incubator. Research on natural processes can only occur if habitat is preserved and organism
Organism
In biology, an organism is any contiguous living system . In at least some form, all organisms are capable of response to stimuli, reproduction, growth and development, and maintenance of homoeostasis as a stable whole.An organism may either be unicellular or, as in the case of humans, comprise...
s continue to thrive.
Conservation issues
A key conservation issue is the preservation of biodiversity, especially by protecting the remaining rainforestRainforest
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm...
s. The destruction of habitat by human activities, including land clearing, remains the major cause of biodiversity loss in Australia. The importance of the Australian rainforests to the conservation movement is very high. Australia is the only western
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West and the Occident , is a term referring to the countries of Western Europe , the countries of the Americas, as well all countries of Northern and Central Europe, Australia and New Zealand...
country to have large areas of rainforest intact. Forests provide timber
Timber
Timber may refer to:* Timber, a term common in the United Kingdom and Australia for wood materials * Timber, Oregon, an unincorporated community in the U.S...
, drug
Drug
A drug, broadly speaking, is any substance that, when absorbed into the body of a living organism, alters normal bodily function. There is no single, precise definition, as there are different meanings in drug control law, government regulations, medicine, and colloquial usage.In pharmacology, a...
s, and food
Food
Food is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals...
and should be managed to maximize the possible uses. Currently, there are a number of environmental movements and campaigners advocating for action on saving the environment, one such campaign is the Big Switch.
Land management
Land management
Land management is the process of managing the use and development of land resources. Land resources are used for a variety of purposes which may include organic agriculture, reforestation, water resource management and eco-tourism projects.-See also:*Sustainable land management*Acreage...
issues including clearance of native vegetation, reafforestation of once-cleared areas, control of exotic weeds and pests, expansion of dryland salinity
Salinity
Salinity is the saltiness or dissolved salt content of a body of water. It is a general term used to describe the levels of different salts such as sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium sulfates, and bicarbonates...
, and changed fire
Fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition....
regimes. Intensification of resource use in sectors such as forestry
Forestry
Forestry is the interdisciplinary profession embracing the science, art, and craft of creating, managing, using, and conserving forests and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values for human benefit. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands...
, fisheries
Fishery
Generally, a fishery is an entity engaged in raising or harvesting fish which is determined by some authority to be a fishery. According to the FAO, a fishery is typically defined in terms of the "people involved, species or type of fish, area of water or seabed, method of fishing, class of boats,...
, and agriculture
Agriculture in Australia
Australia is a major agricultural producer and exporter. Agriculture and its closely related sectors earn $155 billion-a-year for a 12% share of GDP. Australian farmers and graziers own 135,996 farms, covering 61% of Australia’s landmass. There is a mix of irrigation and dry-land farming...
are widely reported to contribute to biodiversity loss in Australia. Coastal and marine
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
environments also have reduced biodiversity from reduced water quality caused by pollution
Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into a natural environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the ecosystem i.e. physical systems or living organisms. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light...
and sediments arising from human settlements and agriculture. In central New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
where there are large plains of grassland, problems have risen from—unusual to say—lack of land clearing.
Before European settlement, Aborigines
Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
burnt the grassland regularly for thousands of years and eventually native animals became dependent on the grasslands and the regular burning. When European
European ethnic groups
The ethnic groups in Europe are the various ethnic groups that reside in the nations of Europe. European ethnology is the field of anthropology focusing on Europe....
s settled the area in the early 19th century, their ignorance lead to the destruction of the grassland through lack of regular burning. Thus the grasslands were swallowed up by woody weeds and shrub, degrading the soil, accelerating erosion and reducing the biodiversity.
Specific issues:
- Fraser Island
- Franklin DamFranklin DamThe Franklin Dam or Gordon-below-Franklin Dam project was a proposed dam on the Gordon River in Tasmania, Australia, that was never constructed. The movement that eventually led to the project's cancellation became one of most significant environmental campaigns in Australian history.The dam was...
- Lake PedderLake PedderLake Pedder was once a natural lake, located in the southwest of Tasmania, Australia but the name is now used in an official sense to refer to the much larger artificial impoundment and diversion lake formed when the original lake was expanded by damming in 1972 by the Hydro Electric Commission of...
- Uranium mining in Kakadu National Park
- Plight of the Murray RiverMurray RiverThe Murray River is Australia's longest river. At in length, the Murray rises in the Australian Alps, draining the western side of Australia's highest mountains and, for most of its length, meanders across Australia's inland plains, forming the border between New South Wales and Victoria as it...
system
Legal framework
International agreements that affect conservation policy in Australia.| Entry in force | Title, date, place of agreement |
|---|---|
| 1948 | International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling is an international environmental agreement signed in 1946 in order to "provide for the proper conservation of whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly development of the whaling industry"... , 1946, Washington |
| 1961 | Antarctic Treaty, 1959, Washington |
| 1975 | Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat Ramsar Convention The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, i.e., to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural,... , 1971, Ramsar |
| 1975 | Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972, Paris |
| 1975 | Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), 1973, Washington |
| 1982 | Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources, 1980, Canberra |
| 1983 | Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, 1979, Bonn |
| 1985 | International Tropical Timber Agreement, 1983, Geneva |
| 1993 | Convention on Biological Diversity Convention on Biological Diversity The Convention on Biological Diversity , known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international legally binding treaty... , 1992, Rio de Janeiro, leading to Australia's Biodiversity Action Plan Biodiversity Action Plan A Biodiversity Action Plan is an internationally recognized program addressing threatened species and habitats and is designed to protect and restore biological systems. The original impetus for these plans derives from the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity... |
| 1993 | United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa, 1994, Paris |
| 1994 | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, 1982, Montego Bay |
| 1994 | United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an international environmental treaty produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development , informally known as the Earth Summit, held in Rio de Janeiro from June 3 to 14, 1992... , 1992, New York |
Protected areas
There are numerous protected areas in all States and Territories that have been created to protect and preserve Australia's unique ecosystems. Protected areas include national parks and other reserves, as well as 64 wetlands which are registered under the Ramsar ConventionRamsar Convention
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, i.e., to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands now and in the future, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural,...
and 16 World Heritage Site
World Heritage Site
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the UNESCO as of special cultural or physical significance...
s. , 10.8% (774,619.51 km²) of the total land area of Australia is within a protected area. Protected marine zones have been created in many areas to preserve marine biodiversity; as of 2002 they cover about 7% (646,000 km²) of Australia's marine jurisdiction.
Department of the Environment and Heritage (Australia)
The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities , formerly the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts , is a department of the Australian federal government and was established on 14 September 2010.The stated aims of the department is to achieve...
, and national park
National park
A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or owns. Although individual nations designate their own national parks differently A national park is a reserve of natural, semi-natural, or developed land that a sovereign state declares or...
s and other protected areas managed by the states, Agencies responsible for protected areas include:
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Parks VictoriaParks Victoria-Department:Parks Victoria was established in December 1996 as a statutory authority, reporting to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. The Parks Victoria Act 1998 makes Parks Victoria responsible for managing national parks, reserves and other land under the control of the state,...
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife ServiceQueensland Parks and Wildlife ServiceThe Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, or QPWS, is a sub-section of the Environmental Protection Agency within the Queensland government. Its primary concern is with the development and maintenance of national parks within Queensland.-External links:*...
- National Parks and Wildlife South Australia
- Department of Environment and ConservationDepartment of Environment and ConservationThe Department of Environment and Conservation is a department of the Government of Western Australia that is responsible for implementing the state's conservation and environment legislation and regulations...
(Western Australia) - Tasmania Parks and Wildlife ServiceTasmania Parks and Wildlife ServiceTasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is the Tasmanian Government body responsible for the care and administration of Tasmania's National Parks and wildlife.-History:...
- Chief Minister's Department (Australian Capital Territory)
- Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Conservation organisations
A number of governmental and nongovernmental organizations work in conservation and restoration of the Australian environment.- ASGAPAssociation of Societies for Growing Australian PlantsThe Australian Native Plants Society is a federation of seven state-based member organizations for people interested in Australia's native flora, both in aspects of conservation and in cultivation....
- comprising the Wildflower Society of WA (in WAWestern AustraliaWestern Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
) & Australian Plants Society (other states) - Australian Conservation FoundationAustralian Conservation FoundationThe Australian Conservation Foundation is an Australian non-profit, community-based environmental organisation focused on advocacy, policy research and community outreach.-History:...
- Australian Koala FoundationAustralian Koala FoundationThe Australian Koala Foundation is an international not-for-profit scientific organisation that aims to diminish the threats to the survival of koalas and in doing so raise the awareness of the global community to help save endangered fauna and flora...
- Australian Marine Conservation SocietyAustralian Marine Conservation SocietyAustralian Marine Conservation Society is an Australian independent and not-for-profit organisation, founded in 1965, is dedicated solely to protecting the health and vitality of Australia's coasts and oceans...
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyAustralian Wildlife ConservancyThe Australian Wildlife Conservancy is an Australian independent, non-profit organisation, working to conserve threatened wildlife and ecosystems in Australia, principally through the acquisition of extensive areas of land on which to establish conservation reserves . These sanctuaries are...
- Banksia Environmental FoundationBanksia Environmental FoundationThe Banksia Environmental Foundation is an Australian organisation created in 1989 to support and confer recognition on individuals and organisations that make a positive contribution to the environment. The Foundation launched the annual Banksia Environmental Awards in the same year...
- Bush Heritage AustraliaBush Heritage AustraliaBush Heritage Australia is a non-profit organisation based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia that operates throughout Australia. It was previously known as the Australian Bush Heritage Fund, which is still its legal name. It purchases land, assessed as being of outstanding conservation value, from...
- Birds AustraliaRoyal Australasian Ornithologists UnionThe Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, also known as Birds Australia, was founded in 1901 to promote the study and conservation of the native bird species of Australia and adjacent regions. This makes it Australia's oldest national birding association. It is also Australia's largest...
- Clean Up AustraliaClean Up AustraliaClean Up Australia is a not-for-profit Australian environmental conservation organisation founded by Australian Ian Kiernan, and co-founder Kim McKay, in 1989. It works to foster relationships between the community, business and government to address the environmental issues of waste, water and...
- Conservation Volunteers AustraliaConservation Volunteers AustraliaConservation Volunteers Australia is an Australian not-for-profit conservation organisation that attracts and coordinates volunteers for environmental restoration projects.- History :...
- Foundation for National Parks & WildlifeFoundation for National Parks & WildlifeThe Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is an Australian not-for-profit, non-government organisation that was incorporated on 29 June 1970. Its purpose is to foster the protection of Australia's native plants, animals and cultural heritage through fundraising for environmental education and...
- Green CorpsGreen CorpsGreen Corps, the field school for environmental organizing, is a non-profit organization that trains future environmental and social change activists. In its year-long, paid program, 35 recent college graduates go through a program involving direct field work on critical environmental campaigns...
- Greening AustraliaGreening AustraliaGreening Australia is an Australian environmental organisation, founded in 1982, the International Year of the Tree, to protect, restore and conserve Australia's native vegetation...
- Landcare Australia
- Natural Heritage Trust Australia
- NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service
- Planet ArkPlanet ArkPlanet Ark is best known for its high profile recycling campaigns including, 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' and 'Cards 4 Planet Ark'. It is also the organiser of Australia's 'National Recycling Week' and the country's biggest annual community tree-planting event, 'National Tree Day', founded by Olivia...
- Sustainable Population AustraliaSustainable Population AustraliaSustainable Population Australia is an Australian special advocacy group, founded in Canberra in 1988, which seeks to establish an "ecologically sustainable" human population...
- Sydney Metropolitan Wildlife ServiceSydney Metropolitan Wildlife ServiceSydney Metropolitan Wildlife Services, Inc is an organisation that is dedicated to caring for Sydney's sick, injured or orphaned native fauna. Members are licensed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974...
- Wilderness SocietyThe Wilderness Society (Australia)The Wilderness Society is an Australian, community-based, not-for-profit non-governmental environmental advocacy organisation. Its purpose is to protect, promote and restore wilderness and natural processes across Australia for the survival and ongoing evolution of life on Earth.It is a...
- Wildlife Preservation Society of QueenslandWildlife Preservation Society of QueenslandThe Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland is a Queensland based conservation organisation. The Society was founded in 1962 by Judith Wright, Brian Clouston, David Fleay and Kathleen McArthur...