Wilderness areas are important because they represent the most intact and undisturbed expanses of natural landscapes, as well as provide opportunities for solitude and self-reliant recreation. These large pristine areas are also important for ameliorating the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.
The importance of wilderness is recognised by the Wilderness Act 1987 (the Act), which provides for its proposal, identification and declaration.
The guidelines replaced the Wilderness Assessment Manual (1995).
Photo: Nadgee Nature Reserve contains the only Coastal Wilderness Area in NSW / John Spencer/OEH
