Green list of protected and conserved areas

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (IUCN Green List) program encourages, measures, and celebrates the world’s best managed protected areas. Three of our parks are on the IUCN Green List.

The IUCN Green List program aims to strengthen and improve the management of protected areas by promoting sound planning, equitable governance and effective management.

Three of our parks and reserves – Arakwal National Park, Cape Byron State Conservation Area and Montague Island Nature Reserve – have been included on the IUCN Green List in recognition of the work we do to sustainably manage, improve and protect their natural and cultural values.

This video explains how these national parks were managed to achieve their Green-listed status.

 

Montague Island Nature Reserve

Montague Island Nature Reserve was included on the IUCN Green List in November 2014.

Located on the far south coast of New South Wales, Montague Island has cultural significance to Aboriginal people, who call it Barunguba, the elder son of Gulaga (Mount Dromedary). It is also a critical seabird breeding site.

The reserve is considered an exceptional example of protected area management because:

  • it has natural, Aboriginal and historic heritage values of national and international significance
  • pest species (mice, rabbits and goats) have been eradicated and the island’s unique environment has been revegetated with native species
  • the historic lighthouse and keepers’ cottages have been restored and are used as holiday accommodation that generate funds to sustain management of the reserve
  • conservation and restoration efforts have been supported by visitors and local communities.

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Montague Island Nature Reserve: IUCN Green List of Protected Areas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List of Protected Areas (ICUN Green List) recognises excellence in protected area management. This brochure describes how Montague Island Nature Reserve meets international standards for protected area management.

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Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron State Conservation Area

Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron State Conservation Area were included on the IUCN Green List in November 2014.

Located on the far north coast of New South Wales, these adjoining parks encompass 298 hectares of coastal heath, dunes, wetlands and rainforest, including Cape Byron the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

The reserves are co-managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the traditional owners of the lands, the Bundjalung people of Byron Bay (Arakwal).

Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron State Conservation Area are considered exceptional because their management:

  • recognises and involves traditional owners in managing and working on their Country
  • protects nationally significant biodiversity values
  • conserves iconic historic heritage features such as Cape Byron lighthouse
  • offers educational programs and holiday accommodation that generate a sustainable source of funding
  • provides recreational facilities for the local community and visitors.

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Arakwal National Park and Cape Byron State Conservation Area: IUCN Green List of Protected Areas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Green List of Protected Areas (ICUN Green List) recognises excellence in protected area management. This brochure describes how Arakwal National Park and the adjoining Cape Byron State Conservation Area meet international standards for protected area management.

PDF 590KB
Download
More info