Australia has new tools to help guide our work to protect and conserve 30% of Australia's land by 2030. This target is known as the 30 by 30 target.
Three new national maps, developed by Environment Information Australia, highlight areas known to have important biodiversity and ecosystem values that are not well represented in our existing protected areas.
The maps will help guide smarter, targeted action to safeguard Australia's unique plants, animals and landscapes.
The maps use the latest national datasets and 2 criteria from the National Roadmap for protecting and conserving 30% of Australia's land by 2030:
- important biodiversity and ecosystem values
- ecological representativeness.
A third map combines both to show areas with important biodiversity and ecosystem values and low levels of protection.
The maps help identify places where protection or conservation can make the greatest difference for long-term biodiversity outcomes. The vision for a strengthened network of protected and conserved areas is one that:
- protects Australia's extraordinary biodiversity
- reflects the full richness and variety of ecosystems
- supports connected landscapes where plants and animals can thrive.
Australia has already protected almost 25% of its land. To reach the 30 by 30 target, we need to protect or conserve another 39 million hectares. That's an area nearly twice the size of Victoria. The task is not only to protect more, it's about making sure that we protect the right places.
Our goal is to balance ecological priorities with broader economic, social and cultural considerations. While the new maps will contribute to future decision-making, we will also consider:
- stakeholder input
- regional information
- on-ground assessments
- connectivity
- effective management
- cultural values
- climate resilience.
Protection and conservation on private land will always be voluntary, and we will continue to work only with willing landholders.
The maps are one of several tools that will inform national environmental priorities, including the $250 million Australian Bushland Program. They complement regional and local knowledge and priorities. The maps will be refined as new information becomes available.
These tools will support governments, land managers, conservation groups and communities as we work together to protect Australia's unique natural bushland for generations to come.
