IMPORTANT BIODIVERSITY AREAS

PRIORITY BI2

Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and small reserves

KBAs are part of an international conservation effort to recognise and conserve the most important places in the world for species and their habitats. Several of the KBAs in the Cradle Coast region are not part of the reserve estate, and face many threats. Additionally, the region has several small reserves, often managed by councils, which are important remnant habitats, often in peri-urban areas. As development pressures result in ongoing land clearance, these small reserves become even more important.

outcome

By 2030, a partnership program is reducing threats affecting the natural values of KBAs and small reserves in the Cradle Coast and improving community educational outcomes.

threats

Local threats that can be addressed by NRM actions:

  • Land use pressures on surrounding land including development, intensification of industries and poor management practices
  • Weeds, feral animals and disease
  • Increasing fire risk due to climate change
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Lack of knowledge and understanding in the community about natural values

Actions

BI2.a

Establish a partnership program focused on and around high priority Cradle Coast KBAs and reserves, where invasive plants and animals, and fire risk, are managed appropriately.

Establish partnership programs with land managers, local councils and community groups looking after important biodiversity areas and reserves to undertake activities to raise community awareness of natural values and threats, support participation in conservation action and enhance the tourism experience.

implementation

Investment Opportunity

  • Australian Government
  • Tasmanian Government
  • Regional or Local
  • Private or philanthropic

  • Information gathering activities including assessment and mapping of weeds and feral animals.
  • On-ground work including weed and feral animal management in strategic buffer zones. Land management agreements with neighbouring landholders. Fencing, stock control, bushfire risk mitigation.
  • Behaviour-change and capacity-building activities – education, awareness and skill-building focused on the natural values of KBAs and small reserves.

Local councils; Government agencies including PWS; Landcare, Wildcare and other community groups; land managers; volunteers.

Field days, workshops and educational activities; extension, capacity building and land management agreement opportunities for landholders; consultation with neighbouring land managers about preferred management options; volunteer and citizen science opportunities.