Conservation organisations
Conservation non-government organisations are the fastest growing sector building the National Reserve System. Conservation non-government organisations are independent land conservation bodies that operate as non-profit businesses, buying and protecting land of outstanding conservation value. Their role is critical, as they complement the public reserves by filling conservation gaps, purchasing or covenanting land where governments are unable to do so.
In the past decade, these non-government organisations have raised over $20 million from big business donors and legions of individual supporters to add 28 properties - more than 1.8 million hectares - to the National Reserve System. The properties range from vast monsoonal forest landscapes in the Top End, through arid desert properties in Queensland and New South Wales, former grazing properties in South Australia and along the River Murray, to threatened wetlands in Tasmania.
The non-government organisations' involvement does not end with the property purchase. They are in the business of land management for the long-term, and employ scientists and ecologists to deliver practical on-ground conservation programs based on the best available science. Their ongoing fund-raising projects bring significant investment targeting feral animals, weeds and inappropriate fire regimes.
Many conservation organisations are also carrying out cutting edge scientific research on the properties they own and manage.
Funding conservation organisations
The Australian Government, through the National Reserve System Program, provides up to two dollars for every dollar invested by a conservation organisation to add a new property to the Natonal Reserve System. Funds are available for acquisition through land purchase or through a conservation covenant over existing land. Ongoing management costs are the responsibility of the conservation organisation.
If you are purchasing land, funds may be applied towards the purchase price, to establish a management plan, to defray legal costs, or for help in establishing the protected area by undertaking essential activities such as boundary realignment or fencing.
If your organisation already owns a property with significant conservation value, National Reserve System Program funding can be applied towards establishing it as a protected area through gazetting the property or entering into a nature conservation covenant agreement. We also have funds for the cost of management planning and urgent threat abatement work.
You will need to enter into a contract with the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts involving an on-going commitment to manage the property and report on management outcomes. You will retain ownership of the land, and will need to agree to manage it according to international standards in conservation management.
Read about criteria and how to apply for funding.
Conservation organisations
- The Tasmanian Land Conservancy
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy conserves, enhances and protects Tasmania's natural environment by purchasing and managing land. Find out more - Trust for Nature
Trust for Nature's mission is to enable people to bequeath land or money for conservation and for the purchase of Victoria's bush. Find out more - Bush Heritage Australia
Bush Heritage Australia currently owns and manages 26 reserves throughout Australia. Find out more - The Nature Conservancy
In Australia, The Nature Conservancy supports other conservation non-government organisations to buy and manage high priority land. Find out more
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy acquires land, and works with other landholders, to establish sanctuaries for the conservation of threatened wildlife and ecosystems. Find out more