Developing a regional biodiversity management plan
The Northern Rivers Plan is a single recovery planning and threat abatement document for the region. The Plan directs the available resources to the actions and areas where the greatest possible benefit to biodiversity can be achieved.
To help distinguish different parts of the region, the area has been divided into four broad landscape units based on geology, landform and elevation. These landscape units, being coastal plains, midland hills, escarpment and tablelands, broadly reflect patterns of land use and allow threats to be assessed and grouped.
There are some 200 or more threats that have been identified as affecting biodiversity in the region. These operate through four primary stresses: habitat loss, habitat modification, loss of individuals and loss of genetic integrity. Through the planning process, these threats have been grouped and prioritised within each broad landscape to allow the assessment and development of appropriate recovery actions.
A number of spatial maps such as vegetation, topography. geology, land tenure, wetlands and other maps depicting areas of significance have also been compiled and are included in the plan.
Who was involved?
A key goal of the Plan was to improve communication within and between agencies, departments and community to meet the conservation requirements for biodiversity within this area in a holistic and cost-effective manner.
Whilst the Plan was primarily prepared by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW, there was also significant input by the Australian Government, the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, the community and other stakeholders.
Indigenous engagement in biodiversity management
The Indigenous peoples of northern NSW have a strong cultural and spiritual connection to the biodiversity within their Country and it is recognised that there is no separation between culture and Country. Protecting and enhancing cultural biodiversity creates opportunities and challenges for the Indigenous community; including opportunities to create long-term employment in managing biodiversity on Aboriginal community lands and elsewhere, and increasing recognition and integration of Indigenous knowledge of Country into biodiversity management.
DECCW is working with local Indigenous communities to identify a range of mechanisms for more effective engagement in biodiversity conservation and are piloting approaches to meet the specific needs of specific communities.
Current programs include assisting Indigenous communities to manage community held lands through:
preparation of cultural biodiversity management plans
ethno-ecological surveys
hotspot fire planning, and
Indigenous education packages
Page last updated: 17 December 2012
