New scheme to target South West’s biggest natural threats in coming decade

Following extensive consultation with environmental, Aboriginal and farming stakeholders, the next decade of conservation efforts in the South West has its sights set on a new natural resource management target.

Funded by the Federal Government, the South West Region Natural Resource Management Strategy has been launched for the region, to help scale up restoration efforts in some of the region’s degraded ecosystems.

Developed by South West Catchments Council, the strategy aligns with the goals and timeline of the United Nations’ Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, by setting out a clear framework for people and groups working within the sector.

SWCC chief executive officer Sally Wilkinson said the council was proud to help develop the strategy and to connect the stakeholders who will help make it a success.

“No single organisation can do this alone,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“The more we all work together, the stronger our region will be.”

Priority areas the framework will address include the biggest threats to the region, such as climate change, drought, salinity and loss of biodiversity.

Crucially, the strategy recognises the importance of including traditional knowledge from Noongar elders and caretakes in all of the region’s natural resource management projects.