Conservation On Country

What is the Conservation on Country Program?

Conservation on Country (ConC) is a Bush Heritage program that works with Indigenous people in conservation management and caring for country partnerships on Indigenous lands and Bush Heritage reserves. It also assists Indigenous people in acquiring properties of conservation significance. The conservation on country program is a national program and has three focus areas: Management Partnerships, Caring for Country, and Land acquisition.

Collaboration is Essential

Our Conservation on Country Program emphasises the importance of conservation partnerships, and is part of our Beyond the Boundaries program. Bush Heritage Australia has set a goal to protect 1% (7 million hectares) of Australia’s high conservation value land and water by 2025, and recognises that in order to achieve this goal we must form strong partnerships with a broad range of landholder groups. We therefore work beyond the fence lines of our existing reserves, and collaborate with our neighbours, other organisations, and with communities.

Indigenous Partnerships

Bush Heritage acknowledges that the country we are conserving has been shaped by the cultural practices and management decisions of Indigenous people for thousands of years. We recognise Indigenous peoples’ ongoing connection to country, their contributions towards conservation protection, and also in looking after country. By working together through conservation partnerships, opportunities for combining different knowledge are enabled. This means the improved management of Australia’s biodiversity and conservation values, for all Australians.

If you are an Indigenous organisation or community who would like to be involved in this program, please contact:
Sarah Eccles
Indigenous Programs Manager,
Bush Heritage Australia
Phone:+61 (0) 3 8610 9122 or Email: info@bushheritage.org.au