Biodiversity targets
Biodiversity decline is halted, then sustainably managed to ensure resilient ecosystem functioning
14. Communities and habitat
Healthy functioning ecosystems are a fundamental element of healthy functioning landscapes. They are valuable in themselves and provide ecosystem services such as air and water quality, carbon sequestration, habitat, amenity and cultural value. Continued loss of communities and habitat is absolutely incompatible with ACT aspirations to being sustainable.
The measurable target
The target relates to establishing 2008 as a baseline for condition of communities and habitat, reflecting the need to continue steady improvement in condition rather than deterioration. This means that threatening processes are being effectively controlled and the biodiversity of areas is being enhanced.
| OUTCOMES | OUTPUTS | ACTIONS |
|---|---|---|
|
Intermediate Fire hazard management is improved so that it is more compatible with protection of plant and animal species and communities (2015) A strategy is in place to guide management and conservation of ecological communities threatened by climate change (2015) Long-term The integrity, condition and resilience of native terrestrial and aquatic communities and related habitats is as good or better than it was in 2008 (2030) |
Recognition of the conservation values of extant vegetation communities and their integration into A strategy to guide management and conservation of ecological communities threatened by climate change is developed Restoration and rehabilitation of land and vegetation to provide improved biodiversity outcomes on disturbed lands Related plans Planning Framework for Natural Ecosystems—NSW Southern Tablelands and ACT (2002) Nature Conservation Strategy 1995 |
Foundation Develop revegetation guidelines and standards Review off-set and other no net loss mechanisms in other jurisdictions in order to recommend approaches applicable to the ACT On-ground Develop policy that requires loss of any habitat to be offset at a commensurate rate Develop principles for fire hazard management that ensure that any potential biodiversity loss is localised, not ACT-wide Recognise and manage modified remnants for their contribution to biodiversity conservation Develop and apply mechanisms for off-reserve protection, including incentives such as payments for ecosystem services, rates rebates, voluntary conservation agreements Conserve and rehabilitate riparian zones and wetlands Improve links between researchers and land managers Develop a publicly accessible flora and fauna database Develop better monitoring systems and apply them in an adaptive management framework Assess the combined impact of pest animals, weeds, drought, fire and climate change on biodiversity Establish guidelines to assess impacts of loss or high disturbance of vegetation or habitat to ensure cumulative impact is minimised Review biodiversity valuation approaches and their potential to contribute to decision making |
