CONSERVATION OF REMNANT VEGETATION ON AGRICULTURAL LANDS

WWF-Australia works in a number of rural regions to address one of the country's most important environmental challenges - the conservation of remnant vegetation on agricultural lands. Remnant vegetation refers to small patches of native bush that have escaped the clearing carried out for agricultural purposes and which are often home to rare or endangered species, especially plants. Besides covering flora and fauna, these bushes are also important for soil conservation, protecting water catchments and providing share and shelter for stock.

WWF has identified two basic ways of dealing with the problem: revegetation and preservation of the remnant vegetation. Its project focuses on educating and informing landowners of the importance of these patches of bushes. The project provides a vital link between the scientists and farmers, whose cooperation is essential for the success of any such conservation effort.

A "paddock-level conservation programme", it aims to help farmers adopt ecologically sustainable development practices given their practical and financial constraints. The WWF team works closely with local institutions and community groups besides individual owners. The aim is to provide relevant knowledge by visiting farms and meeting farmers. A remnant vegetation kit has also been put together for farmers to tell them about a wide range of topics, from integrating wildlife conservation with farm management to tax incentives for those following the practices. So far, the project has been well-received by the farmers and other conservation groups such as Landcare Australia and Greening Australia.

The government too has responded favourably to this issue. The New South Wales government has, for example, introduced interim protection and management of its native vegetation. The province was estimated to be responsible for 23 per cent of the bush destroyed in Australia each year. Besides, new controls are now being applied in western Australia in areas that have less than 20 per cent bush remaining. As for Queensland, WWF-Australia continues to actively promote better controls to replace the current inadequate guidelines.

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Copyright 1996, The World Wide Fund For Nature