Land
Since European settlement of Australia, land use has usually been focused on specific human requirements such as agricultural production, urban development, transport, industry, recreation or biodiversity conservation. Such single-purpose management neglects the multiple benefits provided by the earth and its living systems.
We now recognise the essential contribution of ecosystems in providing clean water, clean air and healthy soils, as well as maintaining our unique biological diversity. Some management practices place enormous pressures on the land, damaging these 'ecosystem services', reducing biodiversity and degrading soils and waterways.
The part of our web site provides information about the Australian Government's activities to maintain landscapes, biodiversity and ecosystem services while ensuring sustainable production systems and providing for other human needs.
Caring for our Country
Caring for our Country is the Government's new natural resource management initiative. It is designed as an integrated package with one clear goal, a business approach to investment, clearly articulated outcomes and priorities and improved accountability.
It commenced on 1 July 2008 and will integrate delivery of the Commonwealth's existing natural resource management programs, the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program and the Working on Country Indigenous land and environmental program.
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