National Reserve System
| National Reserve System | |
|---|---|
 Sample of Signage, within a Wet Tropics portion of National Reserve System | |
| Area | > 89 million hectares |
| Established | 1992 |
| Governing body | Government of Australia Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. |
| www | |
Australia's National Reserve System is a network of more than 9000 Commonwealth plus state and territory protected areas which, in combination, on a national scale, are hoped to enable more than 89 million hectares (greater than 11% of the continent's) unique biodiversity and most significant ecological landscapes to be protected and preserved for future generations.[1]
History
The move by the Australian Government to establish this National Reserve System was triggered by the international Convention on Biological Diversity, as a demonstration of the nation's support and commitment to fulfilling the objectives of that convention.[2] In particular, after signing and ratifying the convention in 1992 the then Prime Minister announced [2]
"The establishment of a comprehensive system of protected areas is vital if we are to retain our status as a region of megadiversity. Besides being ecologically viable these areas must represent the full range of ecosystems. The Government is committed to the development of a national comprehensive system of parks and reserves. This will be achieved in cooperation with States and Territories."
See also
References
- ^ Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts "Caring for Our Country: National Reserve System" webpage. Accessed 2 June 2010
- ^ a b Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts "Caring for Our Country: History of the National Reserve System" webpage. Accessed 2 June 2010
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