Strategy for Nature 2024-2030 Australia's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

1 ES Brondízio, J Settele, S Díaz and HT Ngo (eds) (2019), Global assessment report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) secretariat. 8 Many of Australia’s native plants, animals Losing biodiversity can change the way and distinctive ecological communities the natural world functions. This can have are listed nationally as threatened. severe and unpredictable impacts that As of 9 August 2024, 2,118 species2 and may be irreversible. High biodiversity can 103 ecological communities were listed as provide insurance against change; the more threatened under national environment law, variety we maintain in nature, the greater the Environment Protection and Biodiversity the chance that some species will survive Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). and adapt in the future. Maintaining high Additional species are listed under state biodiversity and healthy ecosystems is and territory legislation for protection the best way to support adaptation and of threatened plants, animals and build resilience: the ability to recover from ecological communities. the impacts of threats, pressures and disasters.

2 Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), ‘EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna’, Species Profile and Threats Database, DCCEEW website, n.d. ; DCCEEW, ‘EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna’, Species Profile and Threats Database, DCCEEW website, n.d. 9 Climate change Changing fire regimes Changes to the aquatic environment and water flows In Australia, climate change is already causing: • a rise in average and extreme (high and low) temperatures Climate change is already affecting the nature of fire Waterways and wetlands are a critical part of our natural risk and increases the need for effective fire management environment. They provide habitat for many species, reduce • a change in precipitation patterns to protect people and property in a way that maintains the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water • sea ice melting and sea level rise biodiversity. Fire, or its absence, has directly influenced quality. Biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems within Australia • an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme the evolution of the Australian landscape. European and in its surrounding marine areas is threatened by climate weather events, including droughts, high fire danger colonisation largely disrupted cultural burning regimes that change, including the impacts of changed frequency, weather and tropical cyclones. had been in place for thousands of years. Many native plant magnitude and intensity of floods and droughts; changes Biodiversity is vulnerable to climate change, as species, including eucalypts and acacias, have evolved in water quality and the condition of habitats fringing rivers demonstrated by the increased frequency of fires, floods, in fire-prone environments and are dependent on fires of and streams; and marine heatwaves, ocean acidification coral-bleaching events and mass deaths of flora and fauna. various degrees to maintain ecological cycles. In contrast, and the effects of rising sea levels. These impacts are The scale, rate and nature of projected climate change, rainforest ecosystems developed without fire and are compounded by unsustainable levels of water extraction and the unpredictable interactions between climate highly vulnerable to changed conditions such as prolonged and invasive species. change and other drivers of decline that cause stress drought, which increase their susceptibility to fire. to ecosystems, have the potential to overwhelm the capacity of current ecosystems to adapt. The effect of fire on the ecology of the landscape We need strategies that will minimise the impact of is mostly shaped by fire regimes and to a lesser extent climate change and promote adaptation to it. Examples individual fire events. ‘Fire regimes’ means fire patterns, include protecting natural ecosystems that provide carbon such as the extent, seasonality, frequency, intensity storage services, particularly primary forests, marine and patchiness of fire. seagrass communities, wetlands and peatlands, and increasing carbon stores through revegetation. Embedding considerations of adaptation and ecological transformation into decision-making, and supporting actions that build resilience, is key to helping natural systems retain their capacity to store carbon and adapt to shifting climatic conditions. There are physical limits to the capacity of nature to adapt to the impacts of climate change without help. Climate change, particularly rising temperatures, will continue to significantly affect biodiversity and ecosystems. Scientists expect climate change to cause changes to the abundance and geographic range of many species, restrict or alter the movement of species, and interfere with their life cycles and interactions with other species. Climate change also presents a biosecurity risk for Australia’s ecosystems by altering the distribution of pest and weed species. 10 Unsustainable use and management Invasive species and problematic Interactions across of natural resources native species threatening processes Australia’s economy and future growth potential are Invasive species are those that now occur beyond Each of these issues – climate change, unsustainable use inextricably linked to our natural resources (including plants, their natural range and threaten valued environmental, of natural resources, habitat loss, invasive species and animals, water and even microbes), many of which are finite agricultural, marine and social resources. Invasive species pollution – is serious in its own right. But their effects also or may be irreparable if managed unsustainably. While include weeds, terrestrial and marine vertebrate and interact to magnify impacts on Australia’s biodiversity. Of there are significant efforts to sustainably manage these invertebrate animals, and disease-causing organisms. particular concern is that to survive accelerating climate resources, particularly on agricultural land, which makes Examples of invasive species in Australia include feral cats, change, species will need to adapt in place or move to up 55% of the Australian landscape, issues such as soil European red foxes, cane toads, rabbits, European carp, suitable habitats, and to do either of these things they need degradation, salination, and overuse of water continue to be chytrid fungus, myrtle rust, buffel grass and gamba grass. to maintain large, genetically diverse populations. This challenging. These efforts make an important contribution Native species can also sometimes be problematic for fundamental requirement is challenged by other pressures to biodiversity conservation. our native biodiversity – for example, the impacts of noisy reducing population size (e.g. invasive species, habitat loss) miners on other woodland bird communities, the impacts or connectivity of suitable habitat (habitat fragmentation). Habitat loss of locally overabundant macropods such as kangaroos and Sustainable development requires understanding and wallabies on grasslands, and the impact of long-spined sea addressing the interactions among threatening processes. Plant and animal species are less resilient to external urchins on native kelp forests. Invasive and problematic pressures when their habitats shrink or when populations Natural disasters are also becoming more frequent and native species reduce biodiversity by predation, competition become isolated from each other. Direct causes of habitat intense. Nature is not sufficiently resilient to deal with with native species for food and habitat, bringing diseases, loss include clearing of native vegetation, and pollution cumulative impacts or respond to emerging threats and and altering the physical environment in ways that exclude of waterways and marine areas. The expansion of urban, natural disasters. Since the release of Australia’s Strategy native species. agricultural and industrial development has direct and for Nature 2019–2030, Australia has suffered tragic loss indirect impacts on habitats, including habitat degradation, modification and fragmentation, which can expose habitats Pollution of human life and enormous loss of wildlife and critical habitats in the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires in to further threats from invasive species. Development is Pollution, including from chemicals such as pesticides and 2019–2020. We incurred further loss of life and destruction regulated by laws in all Australian jurisdictions and we herbicides, waste and contamination, is driving ecosystem of communities and ecosystems in the devastating flooding need ecosystem-scale planning and incentives to actively change. It has especially devastating direct effects on across Australia in 2022 and 2023. manage and maintain habitat values. freshwater and marine habitats. For example, it is estimated that by 2050 plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish.3 Australians are amongst the most wasteful people in the world, generating 2.95 tonnes of waste per person each year.4

3 Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2017), The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics & catalysing action.

4 Joe Pickin, Christine Wardle, Kyle O’Farrell, Lara Stovell, Piya Nyunt, Sabrina Guazzo, Yong Lin, Georgia Caggiati-Shortell, Poulomi Chakma, Carmen Edwards, Blake Lindley (Cirq Solutions), Geoff Latimer (Ascend Waste and Environment), Jenny Downes (BehaviourWorks), Isabel Axiö (RMCG) (2022), National Waste Report 2022. 11 Protections for biodiversity To protect biodiversity and mitigate threatening processes, we must continue to strengthen legal protections for nature and use science and Indigenous Ecological Knowledge to inform best-practice management. Effective management requires collaboration and engagement from all sectors, public and private, in genuine partnership with First Nations peoples and local communities. We must manage threats at the landscape and seascape level through a multi-pronged approach encompassing: • adaptive management, which involves assessing risk, measuring outcomes, reviewing and adjusting as needed. This allows for flexibility and dynamic decision-making to support actions that protect, maintain and restore our terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems • the precautionary principle, which involves taking actions against likely environmental threats, without waiting for full scientific certainty • ecosystems services, which considers the full range of short-term and long-term benefits and costs to humans across future generations associated with decisions that affect, or are affected by, nature • a robust regulatory regime to ensure protection of conservation values, coupled with effective monitoring and compliance measures. 12 our help Australia's nature needs Globally, pressures on biodiversity have been increasing Ecosystems are complex and dynamic. To keep our and there is recognition of the need to address biodiversity ecosystems functioning and our biodiversity healthy, loss. Much of Australia’s unique nature is under threat, and we must adopt a systems-based approach. This brings the health of many of our ecosystems is declining due to together land, water and living resources management the cumulative impacts of climate change, unsustainable practices including adaptive management and applying use of natural resources, habitat loss, invasive species the precautionary approach. and pollution.5 These drivers often result from undervaluing The cumulative effects of climate change, habitat loss, nature in financial and business decision-making. changes in fire regimes and water flows, incursions All sectors of our society can be involved in valuing and of damaging weeds and feral animals, pollution of air protecting nature. If we are to protect our unique places and water, marine debris, and overexploitation of some and species, maintain our quality of life and support our natural resources have left a lasting impact on many economy over the long term, we must tackle the drivers of of our natural systems. environmental decline and create the circumstances and conditions in which nature can thrive.

5 ID Cresswell, T Janke and EL Johnston EL (2021), Australia state of the environment 2021: overview, independent report to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment, Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2021. 13 We need to continue to work together A national approach to conserving nature is required to recognise that ecosystems exist and function beyond We need to meet Working together in a coordinated way to build state and territory boundaries, to agree on coordinated our international commitments connectivity of fragmented ecosystems, increase national priorities and targets for action, to emphasise the use of nature-based solutions, protect native habitat the importance and urgency of taking action, to measure Australia has been a party to the United Nations Convention and biodiversity and reduce invasive species and other and monitor progress against our targets, on Biological Diversity since 1992. In 2022, Australia pressures is critical to supporting adaptation and building and to demonstrate all Australians’ contributions adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity the resilience of our unique nature. Building and applying to achieving a global approach. This strategy seeks Framework at the 15th Conference of Parties to the both Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Western to support enabling actions by all – not just governments Convention on Biological Diversity. scientific knowledge about how nature responds and not just the environment sector. Australia is a party to a number of international biodiversity to climate change will ensure our interventions agreements (see Figure 1). Halting and reversing Caring for nature is the shared responsibility of all are more effective. biodiversity loss is a local, national and global issue. Australians. The goals and objectives in this strategy We need urgent and concerted efforts to conserve, establish clear priorities and targets for action that No country, including Australia, can achieve its objectives restore and sustainably manage nature. This is essential contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework under the Global Biodiversity Framework without both if nature is to continue to provide essential services for the years to 2030. All Australians are invited international cooperation and a national effort to implement for present and future generations and to remain integral to commit to doing their part to achieve these goals the framework. to our national identity. All Australians must recognise that and to share in the success of our collective efforts. As a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, our natural world is continually changing and there are many Australia contributes to the Global Biodiversity ways we can work together to care for it, now and into Framework and its objectives to: the future. • conserve biological diversity Overcoming the challenges and threats to Australia’s • use biodiversity in a sustainable manner nature is only achievable if all sectors and organisations • share benefits arising from genetic resources work together. Governments, the private sector, civil society, in a fair and equitable way. academia, First Nations peoples, local communities and individuals all have a role to play. In some cases, Australia’s Strategy for Nature coordinates national it may be appropriate for governments to lead; delivery of Australia’s commitments to the Convention in other cases, leadership by other groups, on Biological Diversity, the Global Biodiversity such as First Nations groups, may make Framework, and other international agreements the most sense. Collaboration will enhance including the United Nations Sustainable Development the response to complex environmental Goals, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the challenges through sharing diverse knowledge Convention on Migratory Species (Figure 1). and ideas, supporting different perspectives to identify risks and opportunities, and creating a shared purpose to enable effective outcomes. 14 Figure 1: How the strategy contains and coordinates our national and international actions to manage and care for nature Australia’s Strategy for Nature has been updated to reflect how Australia is boosting its efforts International commitments to meet the new challenges and deal with the ongoing pressures outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework. UN Convention on UN Framework Convention Sustainable Development Goals Biological Diversity on Climate Change Australia will report to the Convention on Biological Diversity on all 23 targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. ;:::::==================11:::::::::==================:I I:::::::===========~ We will focus our actions to halt and reverse biodiversity Convention on International Trade UN Convention loss on 6 targets in priority areas of most relevance to Australia, and 3 enablers that will underpin broader to Combat Desertification ;:::::==================I I Convention on Migratory Species in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora I I;::::::====================:: work to contribute to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s vision of: a world of living in harmony _ _II Ramsar Convention on Wetlands International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling II_ __ World Heritage Convention with nature where ‘by 2050, Australia's Strategy for Nature 2024-2030: biodiversity is valued, conserved, Australia’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Umbrella policy for all Commonwealth, state and territory government biodiversity-related efforts. restored and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services, Other national strategies Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments policies, programs and regulation: International / domestic action sustaining a healthy planet and • The Australian • Australia’s Nature • 30 x 30 Roadmap and investment by: delivering benefits essential for Pest Animal Strategy Positive Plan • Australia’s Nature • National Waste Policy Action Plan • Community and non-government all people.’ • Australian Weeds Strategy Repair Market • Net Zero Plan organisations • Business sector • Environment • Environment Protection To see how Australia’s Strategy for Nature aligns with • Australia’s Information Australia and Biodiversity Conservation • Research/ Strategy for the • Environment Act 1999 academia the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable National Reserve Protection Australia • Protecting Victoria’s • Individuals Development Goals, refer to Figure 5. System • Australia’s National Environment • Australia’s Adaptation Plan – Biodiversity 2037 National Representative • Threatened Species • WA Biodiversity System of Marine Action Plan Conservation Act 2016 Protected Areas • Natural Heritage Trust • NSW Biodiversity Conservation • Reef 2050 Plan Act 2016 • Sustainable Ocean Plan • Conserving Nature – a Biodiversity Conservation • Indigenous Protected Areas Strategy for Queensland 15 strategy A national Figure 2: How targets and enablers of change support Australia’s biodiversity goals Enablers • Mainstream nature • Ensure equitable • Ensure environmental into government and representation data and information business decision- and participation are widely accessible making, including in in decisions relating and supports financing, policies, to nature, particularly decision-making regulations and for First Nations planning processes peoples Goals i Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024–2030 is the The goals work together in continuous loops result of extensive collaboration between the designed to reinforce each other (Figure 2). If people connect, they will The more we learn about nature, Australian Government and all state and territory By connecting people with nature, we enhance increase their care for nature the more we can care for nature I I governments. It updates Australia’s Strategy for their desire to care for nature, which in turn ne c re for natur re and b Con t all S ha I I Ca I I --4+r- @~ Nature 2019–2030 and represents the continued builds knowledge that can be shared to improve stralians w +l ~ d knowledg commitment of governments to work better our care for nature and the benefits we receive e in Au uil together to meet the targets of the Global from connecting with nature. Each objective has all its di Biodiversity Framework. This updated strategy is the overarching progress measures, which will be used as one method to track the success of the strategy. v --r+ X v nature ers e I I ith I I framework for all national, state and territory and The 6 national targets are those determined ity I I I I local strategies, legislation, policies and actions to be of highest priority to protecting The more we care The more people care that target environmental decline and create and restoring Australia’s biodiversity. for nature, the more for nature, the more services it can provide we learn about nature the conditions for nature to thrive. The strategy They reflect Australia’s increased builds on previous and existing work and is ambition to focus action in areas Targets underpinned by science. of most relevance and impact. The strategy sets the framework for local, The 3 enablers identify mechanisms that • Protect and conserve • Priority degraded areas • No new extinctions state, territory and federal government actions are critical to achieving progress toward 30% of Australia’s are under effective to contribute to achieving all of the 23 Global the Global Biodiversity Framework targets. landmass and 30% restoration by 2030 Biodiversity Framework targets by 2030. It also These targets and the enablers are closely of Australia’s marine helps those outside government identify where related. Delivery against each of them will also areas by 2030 they can contribute. result in outcomes for other targets and enablers. Boosting our efforts to achieve the targets • Minimise the impact • Eradicate or control • Increase Australia’s The updated strategy retains the 3 goals of the of climate change invasive species in circularity rate, will enhance the delivery of Australia’s existing original strategy, underpinned by 12 objectives on biodiversity priority landscapes and and reduce pollution policies, programs and legislation that tackle and 6 new national targets, which are supported further minimise their and its impacts on the drivers of biodiversity decline. by 3 enablers of change. introduction by 2030 biodiversity by 2030 16 Science in the strategy Governments have drawn on extensive practical, Australia’s nature is diverse and unique, so there is still Science underpins Goal 3 of the strategy, which focuses on on-ground management, science, research and monitoring plenty to learn to better understand our nature and our working to fill knowledge gaps about Australia’s nature. The to inform the goals and objectives in Australia’s Strategy vast landscapes and seascapes. We can support the underpinning enablers, objectives and progress measures for Nature. This wealth of knowledge from domestic and use of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge in respectful, will inform effort in areas where new attention is needed. international scientific communities, First Nations peoples, culturally appropriate and equitable ways as part of genuine This will assist decision-makers in making choices about field practitioners and citizen scientists is vital to ensure engagement and partnerships with First Nations peoples, policy and project development and funding distribution. Australia’s interventions and policies are robust. Science businesses and communities. provides the evidence base for valuing nature and how it enriches our lives, for understanding how it is declining and for determining what we can do to halt and reverse its loss. •• 0 • •• ., •• • • • 17 transformational Enabling change The objectives and targets in the strategy are underpinned There are different streams of work underway by broader approaches that are critical to enabling across sectors that are applying these enablers. transformational change. These approaches are referred The updated strategy aims to connect to as ‘enablers’, as they will enable progress towards halting and strengthen existing streams of work. and reversing biodiversity loss and enabling Australia to live in harmony with nature. Continued momentum in delivering outcomes through these approaches will be essential to achieving the objectives and targets. • • • 18 Enabler of change Mainstream nature into government Many initiatives are already underway to drive biodiversity and business decision-making, including repair and regeneration across the economy with the aim of mobilising private and public action and finance for in financing, policies, regulations nature. For example, the Taskforce on Nature-related and planning processes Financial Disclosures has developed a global nature- related risk management and disclosure framework to The decline of Australia’s biodiversity is a source help businesses and financial institutions identify and of systemic risk for the economy, society, business act on nature-related impacts, risks, dependencies and and government. Elevating and mainstreaming nature opportunities. Other examples are Australia’s Nature to be a key consideration in decision-making enables Positive Plan, Australia’s Sustainable Finance Roadmap, businesses, financial institutions and governments the Measuring What Matters Framework, national to better understand the value of biodiversity, manage environmental-economic accounting, the Nature nature-related risks and act on nature-related opportunities. Repair Market, the Green Bond program and hosting Prioritising nature in decision-making is essential the inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit, together to tackling the drivers of environmental decline and creating with the establishment of the data and regulatory bodies circumstances in which nature can regenerate and repair. Environment Information Australia and Environment Mainstreaming nature into decision-making at all levels Protection Australia. means better outcomes for biodiversity, which means Many organisations in Australia are already considering better outcomes for the environment and ultimately their nature-related impacts. This enabler is intended for business. We must use nature in a sustainable to reinforce the need to continue to mainstream nature way so as to meet the needs of today without in areas where it matters most. compromising the needs of future generations. This enabler is aligned with Global Biodiversity Framework targets 14 and 15. 19 Enabler of change Ensure equitable representation Recognising the knowledge, innovations, practices, and participation in decisions institutions and values of First Nations peoples and local communities, and ensuring their inclusion and participation relating to nature, particularly in environmental governance, often makes conservation, for First Nations peoples restoration and land management efforts more effective and improves the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. Ensuring the full and equal participation, engagement and Australia’s National Agreement on Closing the Gap sets leadership of communities, businesses and individuals a target to enhance First Nations peoples’ connection to across Australia is critical to taking action that can halt Country. Increased funding for Indigenous Protected Areas and reverse biodiversity loss. Our decision-making and our and the Indigenous Rangers Program will support First actions are most effective at local, regional, national and Nations peoples to continue caring for Country. global scales when we include diverse perspectives and voices across age, gender, ability, location, ethnicity and The development of a National Environmental Standard for other backgrounds. First Nations engagement and participation in decision- making as part of Australia’s nature-positive law reforms The culture, values, knowledge, innovations and practices represents one element of a broader goal to embed First of First Nations peoples are valued and respected, and Nations peoples’ participation and perspectives into inform planning, management and conservation of nature. environmental decision-making. Similarly, the National Collaborative decision-making, alignment of effort and Environmental Standard for community engagement and partnerships contribute to effective policymaking. consultation, which is also being developed, aims to include The Australian Government recognises First Nations the full breadth of voices and perspectives in our community peoples’ enduring management and custodianship in decisions that affect nature, which is essential to support of Country and their cultural and spiritual connection the effective management and restoration of biodiversity. to Country. Working closely with First Nations communities, This enabler is aligned with Global Biodiversity Framework individuals and organisations to appropriately embed targets 22 and 23. First Nations perspectives and voices in decision-making processes will better represent and protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, including Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and caring for Country strategies. This includes co-designing policies and projects as well as forming genuine and equitable partnerships with First Nations peoples. 20 Enabler of change Ensure environmental data and information This enabler is a key aspect to the implementation of this strategy. are widely accessible and support Implementing the strategy will require decision-making establishing indicator frameworks and approaches to monitoring and evaluation Effective decision-making, including planning and so that we can report on progress towards management that affects nature, relies on continuous achieving our targets. This will leverage the research, innovation and monitoring and evaluation. Sharing work of the State of the Environment Report, data and information contributes to evidence-based and which is a comprehensive assessment of our cost-effective outcomes and informs consensus on shared environment produced every 2 years, written biodiversity values. by independent experts and underpinned by multiple long-term datasets. Data and information are critical to effectively protecting Australia’s biodiversity and restoring degraded ecosystems. As specified in the United Nations Improved data and information can help us target Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous conservation, restoration and management activity in areas Peoples, considerations around First Nations where it matters most. Improved data and information data sovereignty and Indigenous cultural enable business and industry to avoid and mitigate and intellectual property rights will be developed environmental impacts and, in doing so, make more as part of the data initiatives outlined above. effective decisions. Improved data and information are For example, some elements of Indigenous also needed to track and report progress under the updated Ecological Knowledge are not appropriate strategy at both an overall level and an individual target for broad access and accessibility due level. This will underpin implementation efforts and support to cultural sensitivities. Adherence to free, adaptive management. prior and informed consent processes is one method which we will use to support culturally The Australian Government is establishing Environment safe and appropriate use of First Nations data, Information Australia, which will develop a National including Indigenous Ecological Knowledge. Environmental Standard for data and information under Australia’s reformed environmental legislation, and the This enabler is aligned with Global Biodiversity Data Repository. The intent of the Biodiversity Biodiversity Framework targets 1 and 21. Data Repository is to make data and information of an appropriate form, quality and coverage available to and useable for all levels of government, business and the public to ensure that decision-makers adequately consider biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration. 21 21 22 ©Parks Australia ne c Con t all stralians w Goal 1: Connect all Australians with nature Au Modern life means many Australians feel disconnected Connecting all Australians with nature echoes the enduring nature from nature in our daily lives and sometimes overlook wisdom of First Nations peoples, whose ancestral ith its importance to our health and wellbeing. Supporting all Australians to connect with nature in a way that is right connections to the land are fundamental to their identity, spirituality and wellbeing. For First Nations communities, for them is essential to our long-term mental and physical nature is not merely a backdrop for recreational activities health, economic prosperity and national identity. but a sacred entity with which they share an inseparable bond. Reconnecting all Australians with nature necessitates We can all connect to nature in different ways and settings. respecting and amplifying First Nations knowledge and Visiting a national park, picnicking outdoors, walking on practices and fostering genuine partnerships rooted in the beach or down a tree-lined road, going camping and respect, reciprocity and awareness. enjoying our gardens are all experiences of nature that can build human wellbeing. Interacting with nature does This strategy seeks to increase Australians’ understanding not have to be a planned experience – it can happen where and awareness of the value of nature for keeping our we live, where we work, where we volunteer and where communities safe and healthy, producing clothing and food, we learn. This strategy encourages all Australians to get helping to sustain jobs and cultural practices, and creating out into nature, whether we live in a city, the bush or by the opportunities for the future. coast, to enjoy nature and enrich our health and wellbeing. Being empowered to care for nature benefits Australia and Increasing awareness and understanding of nature’s Australians. Given the opportunity, all Australians can take role can lead to a deeper appreciation of its value and action to care for nature, whether in cities, on farms, in the contribution to our livelihoods. This can deepen the feeling outback or at sea. Individuals, communities, industries, of connection to nature for those who, through history or businesses and all levels of government can be active lifestyle, feel divorced from nature. It can also change our stewards of nature, inspiring others to contribute, and behaviour to become more mindful of the impacts of our building partnerships for effective action. This is supported broader actions and decisions that affect nature, directly by valuing nature and ecosystem services and incorporating and indirectly. this into decision-making, within a sound and effective regulatory regime that protects key values. Community stewardship of nature can contribute to Australia’s nature conservation objectives and also build the health and resilience of our society, businesses and economy. 23 ... ' ,, '. \ Objective 1: Encourage Australians Objective 2: Empower Australians to get out into nature to be active stewards of nature Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) targets and SDGs ■ Target Target Target Target Target 03 14 19 22 23 Australians can be encouraged to get Progress measures: All Australians – including First Progress measures: out into nature by diversifying nature Nations peoples, women, young experiences, appropriately increasing 1A Extent of promotion of human people and people with disabilities – 2A Number and diversity of volunteers access, growing nature-based tourism, health benefits from nature-based and all Australian communities and for nature-based activities and increasing promotion of human activities organisations have an important role 2B Number of people contributing health benefits from nature-based 1B Rates of visitation to public nature in caring for nature. information through citizen science activities. Access to nature should be conservation areas (land, water and programs For example, people may volunteer undertaken with consideration of the sea) for nature-based activities, contribute 2C Number and extent of terrestrial, cultural significance of Country to First

1C Value and diversity of sustainable to citizen science programs or aquatic and marine ecosystems Nations peoples and the fragile nature nature-based tourism enter conservation covenants or managed for conservation such as of some of our ecosystems. stewardship agreements. The privately managed protected areas, capacity of community groups to covenants or stewardship agreements participate in stewardship programs can be increased. Looking after 2D Number and scope of public– nature through participation in public– private partnerships and cross-sector private partnerships and cross-sector collaborations to look after nature collaborations are also avenues that 2E Extent of public consultation on can be pursued. decision-making related to nature- focused policy, strategy or regulatory matters 24 Objective 3: Increase Australians’ Objective 4: Respect and maintain Indigenous Ecological understanding of the value of nature Knowledge and First Nations stewardship GBF targets and SDGs of nature Target Target GBF targets and SDGs 14 19 Target Target 03 22 Australians’ understanding Progress measures: of the value of nature, and its role in supporting economic prosperity 3A Extent of activities to increase Indigenous Ecological Knowledge Progress measures: and health and wellbeing, can be awareness of the importance of brings a fundamental understanding nature, including to human health and to assessing changes to the 4A Number of programs working improved by: wellbeing environment and identifying with First Nations communities to • incorporating considerations of appropriate management strategies. support the appropriate protection, nature into all decision-making 3B Progress on quantification of documentation and retention of Under the guidance of and in • encouraging organisations natural capital and its benefits Indigenous Ecological Knowledge partnership with First Nations peoples, and businesses to report their including (but not limited to) the these programs and initiatives based 4B Number of conservation and land, performance against environmental national environmental-economic on Indigenous Ecological Knowledge water and ocean management plans measures accounts and the State of the can increase the participation and that have appropriately and equitably • using environmental-economic Environment Report engagement of First Nations peoples integrated First Nations peoples, accounts to more clearly

3C Extent of funding delivered and achieve better environmental, partnerships, perspectives and demonstrate the value of nature. nationally for biodiversity from both cultural and wellbeing outcomes for Indigenous cultural knowledge Equally, all levels of government and private and public sector finance everyone. the private sector must consider 4C Extent of recognition and use impacts on nature in decision-making, of Indigenous cultural knowledge particularly in policy, regulatory and in interpretation, practices and planning processes. decisions relating to environmental management

4D Number of First Nations rangers and First Nations ranger programs managing terrestrial, aquatic and Sea Country

4E Number and extent of terrestrial and marine areas managed by First Nations peoples as part of Indigenous Protected Areas or other management or co-management arrangements 25 re for natu C a r e in Goal 2: Care for nature in all its diversity all its div Nature is an asset from which all Australians By embracing the resilience inherent in nature ers benefit. While supporting adaptation and building and fostering partnerships across diverse ity the resilience of our native species and the health of our landscapes, seascapes and aquatic communities, we share our responsibility to protect and nurture the rich tapestry environments is challenging, the benefits of biodiversity that sustains us all. of success greatly outweigh the costs. The objectives under this goal work together Maximising a diverse mix of species to support adaptation and enhance resilience, and ecosystems benefits all Australians an important quality of nature. The focus on by conserving and improving a valuable asset. adaptation recognises that our ecosystems are There are opportunities for us to lead the world changing due to climate change.6 To support in practical approaches to environmental adaptation, we must change how we manage protection and management and to export ecosystems and what we seek to conserve. our natural resource management expertise Resilience refers to the ability of nature to recover and experience. from disturbance and resist ongoing threats. Resilience can be improved by protecting Caring for nature in all its diversity embodies First a wide variety of terrestrial, aquatic and marine Nations wisdom by recognising nature as a sacred ecosystems in an ecologically viable habitat inheritance essential for the collective wellbeing of network, increasing biodiversity, reducing all Australians. Since ancient times, First Nations threats, managing trade-offs in the use peoples have stewarded diverse ecosystems with of natural resources, and actively encouraging reverence, understanding the intricate balance and connecting nature in urban environments. between species and landscapes. Upholding this This goal ensures a multi-pronged approach ancestral legacy, the strategy calls for universal to caring for nature that incorporates engagement approaches to conservation, resilience-building of people from all walks of life. and adaptation, supported by First Nations knowledge systems.

6 Cresswell et al., Australia state of the environment 2021: overview. 26 Australia’s ecosystems have developed a range Nearly 90% of all Australians live in urban areas. of strategies to cope with the natural high The expansion of urban areas has impacted variability of the Australian environment. biodiversity, yet human urban settings Protecting a wide variety of terrestrial, aquatic in Australia retain substantial natural areas and marine ecosystems through both government and native species. These areas can help maintain and private mechanisms provides insurance connectivity, provide habitat for native species against future change, protects nature from and keep valuable ecosystems healthy and some threats and provides dispersal opportunities resilient. For example, urban wetlands provide and refuges for species to survive and adapt both important habitat and critical water and to potential threats. nutrient management, helping maintain water quality in rivers and waterways. Connectivity There is evidence that protecting high in built landscapes can flow between towns, biodiversity improves the ability of the suburbs, parks and reserves, and lead to raised environment to recover from disturbances awareness and engagement of communities as well as protecting ecosystem function in nature conservation and management. and stability. Urban nature also supports healthy The key drivers of biodiversity decline and sustainable inner-city and suburban in Australia are destabilising our complex communities, enhancing the liveability ecosystems. A resilient environment is best of our urban environments. Urban green spaces placed to moderate intensifying impacts from provide many public health benefits from contact these drivers of decline. Supporting nature- with nature, such as relaxation, stress reduction, based solutions and effective environmental enhanced physical activity, and mitigation management can reduce the risks to biodiversity of exposure to air pollution, excessive heat and local communities that arise from drivers of and noise. There are benefits to both people decline and disasters caused by natural hazards. and nature from enriching and connecting Particular features of agricultural land provide urban green spaces. natural infrastructure. Improvements in natural resource management practices can result in increased productivity and improved farm sustainability as well as enhanced environmental protection. 27 Objective 5: Improve conservation management of Australia’s landscapes, waterways, wetlands and seascapes GBF targets and SDGs Target Target Target Target 02 03 08 11 Conservation management of landscapes, Progress measures: waterways, wetlands and seascapes can be improved in a number of ways. These include 5A Extent and representativeness of government- through enhancing the representativeness, extent, managed protected and conserved areas and, connectivity and condition of government- and where available, its condition and connectivity non-government-managed protected areas, 5B Extent and representativeness of marine conserved areas and conservation reserves, protected areas and Sea Country Indigenous Indigenous Protected Areas and marine protected Protected Areas areas. Other measures include supporting landowners’ protection of significant ecosystems 5C Number and extent of areas, including through stewardship programs, covenanting or significant ecosystems, protected and conserved other conservation programs. The restoration and by private landowners through stewardship or connection of habitats should aim to maximise other arrangements the genetic diversity and complexity of restored 5D Number of protected areas that include ecosystems, requiring the maintenance of viable explicit consideration of future climate scenarios seed supplies. and adaptation responses in their planning and management

5E Extent of retention, protection and/or restoration of aquatic and marine systems to maintain or improve ecological integrity, connectivity and ecosystem function

5F Extent of effective restoration efforts underway in priority degraded areas across terrestrial, marine, coastal and inland water areas 28 •• • Target: Protect and conserve 30% of Australia’s landmass Target: Priority degraded areas are under effective restoration by 2030 and 30% of Australia’s marine areas by 2030 Protect and conserve at least 30% of Australia’s terrestrial and inland Priority degraded areas (across terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine ecosystems) water areas, and marine and coastal areas by 2030, especially areas are under effective restoration by 2030 to recover biodiversity and improve ecosystem of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem functions functions and services, ecological integrity and connectivity. and services, ensuring protected and conserved areas are ecologically representative, well connected and effectively managed, recognising Ecosystem degradation in Australia Key considerations include cost-effectiveness, and respecting the rights of First Nations peoples. is widespread. Many native ecosystems cultural values, level of threat and the have been extensively cleared and at least identification of locations where restoration Protected and conserved areas This strategy recognises the rights, 19 Australian ecosystems have shown signs effort can make the greatest contribution. are a critical response to the interests and responsibilities of of collapse or near collapse. These ecosystems cumulative pressures on Australian First Nations peoples to care The identification of priority degraded span the entire Australian continent. ecosystems. Protected and for Country. Respecting and areas for restoration is a critical first step, conserved areas support healthy integrating First Nations peoples’ The prioritised restoration of degraded areas enabling targeted deployment of resources ecosystems and are important ecological knowledge, practices and is a critical complement to the conservation by governments, business and industry, for improving the recovery of innovations is essential for effective of representative ecosystem types, managing non-government organisations, First Nations threatened species. Protecting and equitable management of invasive species, reducing the impacts peoples and community groups. Defining and conserving at least 30% of the protected and conserved areas. of pollutants, and adapting to climate change. ‘effective restoration’ will also be important planet’s land and marine areas is Restoration provides for the creation of buffer to guide actions towards agreed best practice Ensuring that at least 30% of land zones around protected areas, restoration for different biomes. considered the minimum required to and marine areas are protected, of connectivity in the landscape (particularly maintain a healthy and sustainably Mechanisms such as the Nature Repair Market conserved and effectively managed between areas of high-value habitat) and managed environment. Scientific will better facilitate collective investment from by 2030 to achieve our 30 by 30 recovery of ecosystems under imminent threat research has found that managing a variety of sources to maximise opportunities target will require collaborative (such as threatened ecological communities 30% of the world’s land ‘optimally for effective restoration of priority degraded action from the Australian or ecosystems under-represented in protected located for conservation’ will help areas. Government, state and territory and conserved areas). improve the conservation status of governments, the private sector This target aligns with Global over 80% of the Earth’s plants and To achieve these outcomes and ensure and non-government stakeholders, Biodiversity Framework target 2. animals. restoration activity has the greatest possible including environmental and Protected and conserved areas philanthropic organisations. impact, it is important to prioritise and target also help sustain and enhance restoration activity. This target aligns with Global human life. Our food and water, our Biodiversity Framework target 3. agricultural industries and much of our infrastructure all rely on healthy functioning ecosystems. • • 29 • Objective 6: Maximise the number of species secured Target: No new extinctions in nature Prevent new extinctions of native species, support the recovery GBF targets and SDGs of threatened species and maintain their genetic diversity. Target 04 . 11 The global extinction rate is at least tens to hundreds of times higher Species recovery includes maintaining the genetic diversity than the average over the past of threatened species and ensuring Supporting the persistence of species and Progress measures: 10 million years, and the rate is their ecosystems are healthy. ecosystems in nature will require protection increasing. Australia has one of the and restoration of native habitats, mitigation of 6A Consistency, robustness and transparency Efforts to protect and recover world’s highest extinction rates, and threats, management of risks to environments of assessment and listing of threatened species threatened species in the wild our native species and ecological and their species. Action to support threatened across all jurisdictions will often also benefit other native communities face significant species is needed both in natural habitats and species occupying the same habitat.

6B Improvement of trajectories of threatened challenges from cumulative through off-site (ex-situ) conservation efforts species, as measured by the Threatened Species This target builds on the and compounding threats. such as captive breeding programs, seed banks Index or other measures commitment by Australia’s Major threats include habitat loss and other managed environments. Preventing environment ministers in October

6C Number of populations of threatened or near- and fragmentation, invasive plants, extinctions requires timely identification of 2022 to accelerate work towards threatened species protected through reserves animals and diseases, inappropriate species at very high risk so that appropriate action achieving zero new extinctions or safe havens or by private landowners through fire regimes, climate change can be taken. by 2030. stewardship or other arrangements impacts, and pollution. Conservation efforts could include improved This target aligns

6D Number of species at high risk of imminent This target is ambitious but it is cross-boundary and cross-border collaboration with Global extinction that are identified and supported to achievable with collective action. and the provision of consistent, robust and Biodiversity persist The evidence shows that where transparent approaches for assessing and listing Framework governments work cooperatively, species. 6E Number and extent of natural habitat areas target 4. collaborate with other partners, Support for species could also involve increased managed to support threatened species ensure species and their habitats support for landowners and custodians who are fully considered in decision- protect threatened species; establishment making, and focus efforts, of predator- and threat-free ‘safe havens’ knowledge and resources, species for threatened species; effective and targeted recovery can be achieved and the reductions in the intensity of key threats; extinction of species known to programs for captive breeding; persist can be prevented. storage of living plants and seed; and emergency intervention for the most at-risk species. 30 Objective 7: Reduce threats and risks to nature and build resilience GBF targets and SDGs Target Target Target 02 06 08 Major threats to nature include climate change, Progress measures: unsustainable use of natural resources, habitat loss, invasive species and pollution. Options for 7A Explicit consideration of climate change risks, joint action to reduce threats and their impacts adaptation and resilience in the management of include ensuring the design and management species, ecosystems and landscapes of the protected area network considers and 7B Extent and success of management accommodates future threat scenarios, and programs to implement appropriate fire regimes establishing robust mechanisms to respond that reduce impacts of fire on species and/or effectively to new and emerging threats. ecosystems that are vulnerable to this threat There are opportunities to improve planning, 7C Extent and success of management programs regulation, environmental impact assessment for established invasive species that pose and approvals processes. In addition, threat a significant threat to native species and/or abatement activities could include targeted pest ecosystems that are vulnerable to this threat management, ecosystem restoration (integrated 7D Extent and success of management programs fire management, revegetation), pollution control, to minimise incursion and spread of new and greenhouse gas emissions management and emerging invasive species climate change adaptation.

7E Extent of retention, protection and/or restoration of landscape-scale native vegetation corridors

7F Extent of retention, protection and/or restoration of native vegetation in urban, peri-urban and agricultural contexts

7G Extent of retention, protection and/or restoration of marine ecosystems • • •. • 31 Target: Minimise the impact of climate change on biodiversity Target: Eradicate or control invasive species in priority Minimise the impact of climate change on biodiversity and increase its resilience through landscapes and further minimise their introduction mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction actions, including by embedding climate change adaptation in all relevant decision-making, and through nature-based solutions by 2030 and/or ecosystem-based approaches, while minimising negative and fostering positive Minimise and mitigate the impacts of invasive species by eradicating impacts of climate action on biodiversity. or controlling established invasive species in priority landscapes and places; Climate change is a direct and compounding Delivery against the other proposed Strategy and further minimise the introduction and establishment of new invasive threat to biodiversity. The changing climate is for Nature national targets will also build the species, to maximise threatened species recovery and protect biodiversity affecting species and ecosystems by driving resilience and adaptability of species and and related cultural heritage values. changes in distribution and behaviour, altering ecosystems by conserving more land and the composition and functioning of ecological sea, building connectivity and managing Invasive species are a leading Australia has close to 3,000 communities, and exacerbating the impacts of the threats of invasive species and pollution. cause of biodiversity loss and invasive species, many of which other threats. Climate change is also causing Nature-based solutions such as protecting species extinction in Australia. are widely established. Each year extreme weather events and sustained changes blue carbon ecosystems will aid in mitigation Invasive species also impact it costs $25 billion to manage to temperatures and rainfall patterns. Climate as well as resilience and adaptation by building the delivery of ecosystem invasive species in Australia’s change is one of the key drivers of biodiversity biodiversity and protecting coastlines from decline in Australia. climate threats, while providing important services, devastate the primary agricultural sector and protected ecosystem services. industries sector, reduce business estates.7 Both adaptation and mitigation are essential access to export markets, to reducing the expected impacts of climate This target seeks to embed climate change This target focuses on improving and impact social amenity change. Enhancing adaptation and improving adaptation in all relevant decision-making coordination of action across the resilience of biodiversity to deal with the by government, businesses, organisations and wellbeing, ecotourism, Australia, protecting biodiversity impacts of climate change will complement and the wider community, through institutional and culturally significant assets from established invasive the significant work underway to minimise the settings and capacities that consider long-term plants, animals and places species and enhancing Australia’s impact of climate change through mitigation, future scenarios. for First Nations peoples. strong risk-based biosecurity such as our work towards net zero emissions This target aligns with Global Biodiversity system.8 by 2050 and our international engagements. Framework target 8. Actions to mitigate or adapt to the effects This target aligns with Global of climate change should also consider Biodiversity Framework target 6. and minimise the impacts on biodiversity. Efforts to mitigate climate change and minimise impacts on biodiversity will need to continue well beyond the time frame of this target.

7 Bradshaw CJA, Hoskins AJ, Haubrock PJ, Cuthbert RN, Diagne C, Leroy B, Andrews L, Page B, Cassey P, Sheppard AW, Courchamp F (2021), Detailed assessment of the reported economic costs of invasive species in Australia. In: Zenni RD, McDermott S, García-Berthou E, Essl F (Eds) The economic costs of biological invasions around the world. NeoBiota 67: 511-550.

8 Consistent with our Appropriate Level of Protection which is prescribed in the Biosecurity Act 2015 and was agreed by all states and territories. 32 Objective 8: Use and develop natural resources Target: Increase Australia’s circularity rate and reduce in an ecologically sustainable way pollution and its impacts on biodiversity by 20309 GBF targets and SDGs Increase the circularity of Australia’s economy, to reduce our material footprint Target Target Target Target Target Target and waste generation by 2030. Reduce pollution in Australia’s environment and 05 07 09 10 14 16 its impacts on biodiversity, including reducing plastic pollution. A circular economy is a holistic harmful impacts on biodiversity and All businesses and industries use and therefore Progress measures: economic strategy to reduce ecosystem functions and services, have an impact on natural resources, either our material footprint, improve as well as human health. Plastics directly or indirectly. Ecologically sustainable 8A Number of catchment-scale water materials efficiency, and reduce pollution is driving ecosystem change, use and management of natural resources management plans and decisions that include waste and pollution. It is the particularly within freshwater and can be achieved through valuing impacts explicit consideration mechanism Australia will use marine habitats. The United Nations and dependencies, strategic planning and, of environmental flow requirements to address several fundamental has advised that plastics are so if necessary, trade-offs between use and 8B Level of innovation and implementation drivers of biodiversity loss that prevalent throughout the environment of agricultural practices that maintain stem from patterns of consumption, that they are becoming part of the protection. and restore soil and water health production and disposal. Earth’s fossil record. This target Sustainable consumption and production have In a circular economy, products reflects a commitment to strong

8C Level of innovation and implementation the potential to generate multiple benefits to the are designed to be reused, repaired action on plastics, both domestically of fisheries management practices that ensure and through international engagement. environment, society and the economy, including sustainability and minimise impacts on other and recycled, minimising waste enhanced predictability of raw materials and marine or freshwater biodiversity and maximising resource efficiency. Chemical pollution can have products within supply chains. Other options This creates a closed loop system significant effects on both human

8D Extent to which measures of natural capital where materials are continuously health and the environment, including include encouraging innovation in agricultural are explicitly considered in the sustainable circulated and repurposed rather by contaminating water sources, practices to maintain and restore soil and water development of Australia’s natural resources than being discarded as waste harming wildlife, and disrupting health as well as incorporating robust and 8E Rate of the circularity of Australia’s economy or lost into the environment ecosystems. In Australia, sustainable accurate measures of natural capital. 8F Extent of total material footprint as pollution. It ultimately seeks management of chemicals focusses to conserve resources and on monitoring chemical releases,

8G Level of resource productivity regenerate nature. assessing risks, and promoting safer

8H Extent of total waste generated alternatives to minimise environmental This target aims to increase Australia’s in Australia per person circularity rate so as to reduce our harm. This target reflects a

8I Average resource recovery material footprint and pollution from commitment to robust environmental many sources – with associated management of chemicals to reduce rate from all waste streams benefits to biodiversity. pollution and its risks. Pollution takes various forms. Globally, This target aligns with Global pollution from chemicals and plastics Biodiversity Framework targets has been found to have particularly 7 and 16.

9 Note: This is the interim circular economy target. The target will be refined through consultation on the national circular economy framework, including associated sustainability scenario modelling. 33 .. • • Objective 9: Enrich cities and towns with nature GBF targets and SDGs • Target 12 • Australia’s cities and towns can be Progress measures: enriched with nature by prioritising inclusion of ecologically diverse green 9A Number and extent of urban spaces in design and planning and greening initiatives encouraging their use. Some options 9B Extent to which ecologically include increasing the tree canopy diverse green spaces are included in in our urban areas, transforming old the design and development of urban rail lines into greenways, and planting areas gardens on rooftops. Initiatives such as these can help reduce carbon 9C Extent of programs promoting emissions, alleviate heat stress, urban nature-based initiatives increase energy efficiency and leave a positive effect on residents’ wellbeing. Urban ecology and biodiversity policies should be better integrated into land use planning, transport and other key urban policy and statutory planning requirements. Individuals and communities can help by encouraging residential wildlife gardening programs and sharing information on effective ways to engage residents in meaningful landscape-scale conservation. 34 S ha re and b Goal 3: Share and build knowledge d knowledg uil Effective management and protection of nature nature management. Indigenous Ecological in Australia is best supported by an evidence- Knowledge, passed down through generations, based approach built on sound knowledge. enriches our understanding of ecosystems and fosters harmonious relationships with Decisions should draw on scientific information the natural world. By valuing and integrating and data, including from biodiversity; taxonomic, e Indigenous perspectives alongside scientific ecological and sociological sciences; nature data, this goal promotes shared decision-making management methods and approaches; and validated by both evidence and cultural wisdom. Indigenous Ecological Knowledge. There is Embracing partnerships across sectors and significant effort around Australia to extend this communities, including First Nations peoples, knowledge base and to monitor, evaluate and academia, government and industry, fosters a report on actions at regional and national levels. collaborative approach to knowledge-sharing and Much of our biodiversity remains undiscovered capacity-building. By transparently assessing and or poorly known. We need to better understand reporting on our collective efforts, we cultivate a our biodiversity as a foundation for protecting shared sense of stewardship, driving continuous it. Knowing more about nature helps us make improvement towards our shared vision of better choices about its management for long- a thriving, resilient natural environment for term conservation. This extends to gaps in generations to come. policy, regulation, education, data collection and Assessing and reporting on our successes, management strategies. failures and areas for improvement in caring Sharing and using information can improve for nature requires a broad set of meaningful effectiveness of planning and management and measures that reflects the multiple benefits reduce duplication of effort. Making information of understanding, connecting with and caring publicly available and developing stronger for nature, which should include public health relationships among information users can lead and economic measures. More frequent and to collaboration, coordination, a shared sense of more coordinated reporting of environmental stewardship and, ultimately, better outcomes. performance will contribute to understanding how actions at multiple scales contribute to Sharing and building knowledge aligns with First national nature management. It will enhance Nations principles of collective wisdom and a shared sense of stewardship of nature and intergenerational learning, recognising the vital identify additional actions and resources that role of diverse knowledge systems in effective may be needed to achieve the strategy’s vision. 35 Objective 10: Increase knowledge about nature Objective 11: Share and use information effectively to make better decisions GBF targets and SDGs GBF targets and SDGs Target Target 01 21 Target Target Target 01 14 21 Much information about Australia’s Progress measures: environment and biodiversity is There are opportunities to target Progress measures: already publicly available. 11A Accessibility of information to the research to reduce gaps in public on Australia’s nature, through a knowledge and improve planning and 10A Extent of science and knowledge Australian governments are working variety of platforms management strategies, to support programs that support effective to enhance access to this information management of biodiversity by ensuring it is properly collected, 11B Extent of robust data on development and implementation maintained, supported and shared so Australia’s nature provided by of innovative tools and techniques, 10B Extent to which the likely impacts that all Australians have confidence citizen science programs to public and to build connections between of climate change on terrestrial, that decisions are made with the information sets environmental disciplines and social aquatic and marine ecosystems and sciences. A sustained and strategic best available evidence. There are 11C Extent of collaboration and species are understood, and effective effort across all levels of government opportunities to enhance connections coordination between jurisdictions methods to promote adaptation and and within academia is required to with First Nations peoples, scientists, and research agencies in the resilience are implemented enhance our knowledge about nature, policy developers, decision makers, collection, collation and publication of including improved partnerships with 10C Quality and scope of systems and land and water managers to data about Australia’s nature First Nations peoples, community for capturing data on the diversity enable well-informed decision-making groups and businesses. of Australian nature and how and the development of targeted ecosystems function management strategies. 36 Objective 12: Measure collective efforts to demonstrate our progress GBF targets and SDGs Target Target Target 14 15 21 Robust measures of natural capital Progress measures: and ecosystem services that are integrated into monitoring and 12A Progress on development of reporting systems can effectively options for measuring of natural demonstrate whether our efforts in capital and ecosystem services in managing nature are, in fact, achieving monitoring and reporting systems our vision of a healthy and resilient through national environmental- environment. Australian governments economic accounts are working to streamline and 12B Number of organisations coordinate already existing reporting and businesses reporting their mechanisms, design new and intuitive performance against environmental measures of success, and increase measures participation in reporting to develop a coordinated national picture of our 12C Number of organisations and success. businesses making nature-related financial disclosures 37 How will we get Figure 3: How leadership and direction setting contributes to reporting of actions to Australia’s Strategy for Nature Lea d there? ng i ers r t hi o p Re p Go E p v dD sty Wo ters an Achieving the goals and objectives in Australia’s Strategy rki inis icials for Nature will take a combined effort. We need to continue nd ng s re E tM Gr ff na n Setting to take action to prevent further and irreversible damage en ior O ou to our environment. The strategy provides a framework for Progre Our Vision na ble nm en ctio Evaluatio everyone. Contributions big and small, from all sectors and Biodiv ss Me iro t S rs eri Australia will halt and reverse n walks of life, will make a difference. nv e ire as biodiversity loss by 2030, putting u nm hange This update to the strategy is the first step of implementing nature on a path to recovery, meaning by of C the Global Biodiversity Framework. It sets out our ambition 2050 we will be living in harmony er to achieve the 6 new national priority targets and boost our with nature. existing efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, with a Australia’s nature, now and into the focus on 3 enablers of change. Some targets are supported future, is healthy and resilient to threats, by considerable work that is already underway, while others understood, and valued both in its own will require additional effort. right and for its essential contribution to our health, wellbeing, property and quality of life. Priority Targets Governments, business and industry, scientists, community groups, individuals Action 38 The next step will focus on implementation planning. It will be completed within 12 months of the adoption Leadership and direction-setting Evaluation and reporting of this updated strategy by the Australian Government Governments have a pivotal role to play in delivering The progress measures are one way of reporting and all state and territory governments, following the strategy by providing leadership, setting direction, on the goals and objectives of the strategy. Not all progress submission to the Secretariat of the Convention considering emerging information and evaluating, reporting measures apply to each jurisdiction; jurisdictions will report on Biological Diversity ahead of the 16th conference on and communicating biodiversity-related initiatives. The on the progress measures relevant to their circumstances. of the parties to the convention. strategy provides a guide to governments for developing The progress measures are a mechanism to identify trends future policies and programs. Implementation planning will include: and test whether positive outcomes are being achieved for Australian environment ministers are committed to working each of the objectives and where more work may need to be • reviewing current actions being taken in relation together to lead national efforts for a healthy, resilient done. They provide an opportunity for governments, private to the targets and enablers environment. sector organisations, community groups and individuals to • identifying next steps for each target and enabler, contribute collective actions to meet each objective. The including defining key terms Officials from environment departments across Australia progress measures for each objective have been updated • developing a monitoring, evaluation and reporting support environment ministers in their decision-making to reflect new developments since the release of Australia’s framework to monitor progress towards achieving through the interjurisdictional Biodiversity Working Group. Strategy for Nature 2019-2030, and they will be subject to all of the Global Biodiversity Framework targets. The working group is responsible for evaluating and further review as part of the development of a monitoring Further public consultation will be undertaken to inform reporting on implementation of the strategy to environment and evaluation approach. the implementation of the strategy. This will assist in ministers every 2 years. Progress reports will be published identifying opportunities for individuals, communities, in 2026 and 2029, aligning with Australia’s reporting to the Environment Information Australia will support the industries, businesses and all levels of government Convention on Biological Diversity. development of an appropriate baseline and methods to work together to halt and reverse biodiversity decline. for measuring Australia’s overall progress towards meeting In the past, painting a complete national picture of how our commitments. This will include a comprehensive Australia’s biodiversity is faring across the wide range of indicator and reporting framework to monitor and report terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems has presented Australia’s progress against our objectives and targets. many challenges for Australian governments. Through this strategy, environment officials will draw on existing The Australian Government, supported by the Biodiversity and new tools to build a more thorough, nationwide set Working Group, will draw on the progress measures outlined of information products to bring together the full suite of for each objective and the indicator framework to track biodiversity-focused initiatives. and report on the implementation of the strategy. As a living document, Australia’s Strategy for Nature will continue to be updated to meet changing national and international priorities and draw on emerging evidence and science. Public reporting on implementation by ministers provides transparency on the effectiveness of implementation. 39 Figure 4: Implementation and governance of Australia’s Strategy for Nature Governance Environment Ministers Government Senior Officials Biodiversity Working Group Reporting Australia‘s Strategy for Nature implementation reports | State of the Environment Report United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity reports Implementation Australia’s Strategy for Nature 2024-2030 Connect a Ca re for nat Share and Goal 1: Connect Goal 2: Care for nature in all its diversity Goal 3: Share ustralia ure d kn ll a all Australians b u il o w and build in all i ure ns with nature sd knowledge t with nat ge iversity led 01. Encourage Australians 05. Improve conservation management 07. Reduce threats and risks 10. Increase knowledge to get out into nature of Australia’s landscapes, waterways, to nature and build resilience about nature to make wetlands and seascapes Target: Minimise the impact 02. Empower Australians to be better decisions active stewards of nature Target: Protect and conserve 30% of climate change on biodiversity 11. Share and use of Australia’s landmass and 30% Target: Eradicate or control invasive 03. Increase Australians’ information effectively of Australia’s marine areas by 2030 species in priority landscapes and further understanding of the 12. Measure collective Target: Priority degraded areas minimise their introduction by 2030. value of nature efforts to demonstrate are under effective restoration 08. Use and develop natural resources 04. Respect and maintain our progress by 2030 in an ecologically sustainable way Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and First Nations 06. Maximise the number of species Target: Increase Australia’s circularity secured in nature rate and reduce pollution and its impacts stewardship of nature Target: No new extinctions on biodiversity by 2030 09. Enrich cities and towns with nature Enablers of Change • Mainstream nature into government and business • Ensure equitable representation and participation • Ensure environmental data and information decision-making, including in financing, policies, in decisions relating to nature, particularly for First are widely accessible and supports decision-making regulations and planning processes Nations peoples 40 In summary To realise the ambition of this strategy, we all need to work together. All governments, non-government organisations, businesses and industries, First Nations peoples, scientists and other individuals should identify areas where they can best contribute through action or influence. This strategy sets priorities, goals and objectives for the Australian Government, state and territory governments, local governments, non-government organisations, the private sector, research institutions, natural resource management bodies and the community. To succeed, we must all make an investment in our future by acting to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. This will achieve better outcomes for our unique biodiversity so we can all enjoy nature for generations to come. 41 Figure 5: Australia’s Strategy for Nature goals and objectives Global Biodiversity Framework targets Sustainable Development Goals Note: Not all Global Biodiversity Framework targets are mapped. The enablers of change support action Goal 1: Connect all Australians with nature against all Global Biodiversity Framework targets and Australia will report against all 23 targets. Encourage Australians to get out into nature Visit www.cbd.int/gbf/ for further information ■II Empower Australians to be active Target Target Target Target Target on the Global Biodiversity Framework targets stewards of nature 03 14 19 22 23 https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org for further information on the Sustainable Development Goals. Increase Australians’ Target Target understanding of the value of nature 14 19 Respect and maintain Indigenous Ecological Target Target Knowledge and First Nations stewardship 03 22 of nature Goal 2: Care for nature in all its diversity Improve conservation management Target Target Target Target of Australia’s landscapes, waterways, 02 03 08 11 wetlands and seascapes Maximise the number of species secured in nature Target 04 1!111 Reduce threats and risks to nature and build resilience Target Target Target 02 06 08 m1111 Use and develop natural resources in an ecologically sustainable way Target Target Target Target Target Target 05 Target 07 09 10 14 16 1111 Enrich cities and towns with nature 12 Goal 3: Share and build knowledge Increase knowledge about Target Target Target nature to make better decisions 01 14 21 II■ Target Target Share and use information effectively 01 21 II■ Measure collective efforts Target Target Target to demonstrate our progress 14 15 21 42 .: , (, " t.. • <.. ,~( .... • 43 44 BIO1026.0124