Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020

Biodiversity – what is it? Biodiversity is the variety of all life forms on earth – genes, species, ecosystems. Not just endangered or iconic species. Biodiversity - and its interactions through healthy ecosystems - is essential for our existence. We need biodiversity for the ecosystem services - including clean air, water, carbon storage - that support all life forms.

Why do we have an NBS? Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Global agreement addressing all aspects of biodiversity CBD commits parties to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Why do we have an NBS? Biodiversity decline requires serious ongoing attention. Increasing pressures on terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments. Threats: climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, unsustainable use of natural resources, changes to the aquatic environment and water flows, inappropriate fire regimes.

Why do we have an NBS? We need a coordinated national approach. Alignment and integration of commitments and opportunities for biodiversity conservation across all governments and with the community and private sectors. Ensure effort is focussed and prioritised around agreed objectives.

Role of NBS Overarching policy framework Guidance on policy directions and actions Intended for all sectors: community, business, scientific, governments Broader role in raising awareness in general public: ‘mainstreaming’.

What is NRMMC? Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) Sits under COAG (PM and Premiers) NRMMC NRM Standing Committee Natural Resource Policies and Programs Committee National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group

‘National’ strategy - how that works Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council – NRMMC Australian Government, states and territories, NZ Environment, primary industries, natural resources, and water policy portfolios – chaired by Ministers Garrett and Burke Other NRMMC strategies e.g. weeds, pests, climate change adaptation, native vegetation Review every five years

A little bit of history Australia’s first national biodiversity strategy: The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity 1996

1996 Strategy – strategic elements Conservation of biological diversity across Australia Integrating biological diversity conservation and natural resource management Managing threatening processes Improving our knowledge Involving the community Australia’s international role Implementation.

2001 review findings Some advances had been made - e.g. implementation of sustainable forestry management practices. Several strategy objectives had not been met e.g. management of threatening processes. National Objectives and Targets priority outcomes –did not have national consensus.

Biodiversity policy landscape Rapid pace of change: significant changes even since we started the review in Related issues including: –climate change –water –carbon and water trading –coasts and marine –global financial crisis, livelihoods –technology. New regional approach to NRM.

Implementation challenges & approaches Adaptation to climate change – ecosystem resilience and connectivity Linking ecological, economic & social systems – awareness, partnerships, valuing biodiversity, use of market-based instruments Acting at the right scale – building flexible management Dealing with uncertainty – understanding thresholds.

Revised National Biodiversity Strategy 2006 Review Process Preliminary consultation Strategy content and structure Public consultation process Next steps

2006 review process Review Task Group established Scientific input - CSIRO, BOM, reports - Terrestrial and Marine Decline Working Group reports - SOE Biodiversity Vulnerability Assessment

2006 review process Early stakeholder consultation on issues– building ownership, mainstreaming Consultation and joint drafting with Indigenous peoples Draft revised strategy cleared by NRMMC March 2009.

Key stakeholder consultation Background paper to about 150 groups and discussions with about 30 groups Groups consulted include: Australian Conservation Foundation World Wildlife Fund – Australia Business Council Australia Meat and Livestock Australia National Association of Forest Industries National Farmers Federation Chairs and CEOs of all NRM Regional Bodies Commonwealth Fisheries Association Australian Institute of Marine Science A list of all organisations consulted is available.

Indigenous consultation One ‘expert’ and two community workshops Feedback – strategy structure, language, joint drafting Joint drafting day – priority area 5 and other relevant content Ongoing consultation: Indigenous environmental networks and Indigenous Advisory Committee (EPBC Act)

Strategy content and structure Executive summary Call to action -building on current work -short-term and long-term actions -implementation: timeframe and monitoring progress Background – earlier reviews, biodiversity Making enduring changes-priorities for change Objectives, actions and results for each priority Appendices

Priorities for change Six priorities for change in the new draft revised strategy: 1. Building ecosystem resilience 2. Mainstreaming biodiversity 3. Knowledge for all 4. Getting results 5. Involving Indigenous peoples 6. Measuring success

Building Ecosystem Resilience

Ecological resilience case study Reef Rescue (Australian Government) Aim: to improve quality of water entering Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Changing land management practices to reduce nutrient levels, pesticides and sediment in runoff. Connectivity between land and marine ecosystems.

Ecological resilience case study Partnerships between governments, farmers, NRM groups. Recognises values of the reef: ecological, economic, social, cultural. Reef is vulnerable to climate change: minimising other threats helps to maintain reef health and ability to adapt.

Public consultation process Press advertisements DEWHA web page with draft revised strategy and supporting information Direct s and letters Public information sessions – all state and territory capitals and Alice Springs, Dubbo, Townsville and Bendigo On-line submissions via the consultation website – open from 23 March to 29 May 2009

Review - next steps June and July – consider public feedback Review Task Group revisions Jurisdictions – whole of govt positions NRPPC, NRMSC, NRMMC – Nov International Year of Biodiversity

Questions?