Through research, climate modelling and analysis, we've identified the landscapes where we can make the biggest difference.
We first established our priority landscapes in 2016 to help focus our work on areas of Australia under-represented in the National Reserve System and where our particular skills could be best applied to address the threats to those habitats.
In 2021, we updated our knowledge of habitat condition, levels of protection and the likely threats to these areas. We added an overlay of expected climate change impacts, areas of resilience and factors that would add to resilience or vulnerability in the coming decades.
We relied heavily on published research, data from our partners at CSIRO, DAWE and other national datasets to understand the extent of ecological change our landscapes are likely to experience.
We assessed where refugia were likely to be important in protecting biodiversity into the future, and where we have new and important opportunities to protect and manage thriving landscapes for decades to come. To see more on this work visit ConservationFutures.org.au.
This work led to assigning three categories to our Priority Landscapes, that influence how we work in each area:
1. Resilient landscapes
Large, intact areas of high conservation value that could be highly adaptable to climate change. Here we’ll prioritise large reserve acquisitions and/or working in partnerships with Aboriginal groups or the farming community.
2. Reconnection landscapes
Fragmented landscapes, likely to see moderate to medium impacts of climate change where reconnection and active restoration will be important to building resilience. We'll buy, restore and work in partnership with others across these areas.
3. Strengthen landscapes
In the coming decades, these landscapes may experience significant transition. We'll collaborate with Traditional Owners and academics to innovate, invest and bring new tools to mitigate expanding threats and explore opportunities to shore up existing properties.