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Wildlife-based tourism and commercial use of native plants and animals can be an incentive for biodiversity conservation and landscape rehabilitation according to Dr George Wilson, Program Manager of Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation’s Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises (SWE) project.
“These incentives can give landholders a reason to sustainably manage threatened landscapes such as rangelands and wetlands, and to restore degraded habitats while also bringing in extra income,” Dr Wilson said.
“Landholders and enterprises who are interested are invited to input to strategic planning currently under way.
“The sustainable use of our natural resources will continue to require changes in the way we perceive and utilise our natural resources.
“Native species are adapted to Australia’s unique landscape and climatic conditions and the development of sustainable wildlife enterprises is one way to enhance the resilience of our agricultural systems, while minimising the impact on our natural landscapes.
“Through recognition of the value of native species, opportunities to enhance biodiversity conservation and preservation of species and ecosystems on private lands can be derived.”
In addition, Dr Wilson said there is an identified need to complement the National Park network by increasing the area devoted to biodiversity conservation on privately managed land.
“Incentives and market-led inducements are needed to encourage biodiversity
conservation and to promote sustainable production on private lands,” he
said.
“Case studies overseas indicate that providing landholders with greater
responsibility for wildlife, within strict rules and guidelines, has increased
farm incomes and long-term productivity,” he said.
“At the same time, areas given over to nature conservation overseas have doubled and the number of species conserved has never been higher.”
With support from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program,
SWE will develop a strategic and implementation plan for commercial, sustainable
biodiversity management that can be implemented by landholders (including
Indigenous communities) and rural industries. The plans will be based on
integrating wildlife enterprises into existing land use systems.
SWE does not seek to purchase properties and does not ask landholders
to forego their existing farming or grazing enterprises. The project is
designed to assist landholders to create new enterprises and diversify
income streams through the adoption of production systems that may or may
not include conventional farming activities.
Sustainable Wildlife Enterprises (SWE) was initiated by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) as part of its new Rangelands and Wildlife Program. It is looking for collaboration from both landholders other funding agencies for a program due to start in 2005.
A detailed information brochure, outlining the project concept and strategic direction is provided at www.rirdc.gov.au/swe
ENDS
Media inquiries
SWE Dr George Wilson 0418 236 575, or Beth Mitchell, Project Officer
0414 801 126
 
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