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, demonstrating 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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