Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has committed to reserving 30 per cent of the country’s land and oceans to conservation by 2030, to improve and protect biodiversity.
In addition, she announced a “no more extinctions” goal, with new support mechanisms for any species that end ups on an extinction list. Meanwhile, the Albanese Government will also be introducing new environmental laws next year.
Speaking at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Tuesday morning, Plibersek noted that many habitats and species are “under extreme pressure” and “on the brink”, particularly following devastating disaster events, including the Summer bushfires of 2019/20. An additional 15 new animal and plant species have been added to the endangered list, largely due to these bushfires.
“This new plan, as well as drawing much more on First Nations knowledge, also prioritises 110 species and 20 places,” she said, “This doesn’t mean that we don’t look at other threatened species, but it means that these prioritised species create a kind of halo effect by focusing in on these species and these places, we have the biggest chance of success. If we focus on these species, we also protect the species around them.”
Plibersek added that, “climate change is one of the biggest threats to our natural environment”.
She noted that Australia still needs to “develop” but in a “way that is environmentally responsible” — and gives businesses faster decisions and the environment better protections.
But Australia is currently the “mammal-extinction capital of the world” with previous strategies in place failing to save plants and animals.
The 30 per cent target puts Australia in line with 50 other countries that have already committed to preserving this portion of their land and water for protection.
Plibersek said that 20 priority spots have already been identified around the countries, including Bruny Island, Kangaroo Island and Christmas Island.
Australians can individually play their part, saying “it’s not just about what the Government does,” Plibersek said.
“There is also a real opportunity for ordinary Australians to play their part. Lots of Australians are involved in organisations like Landcare. They donate to environmental groups. They look after their own backyards… One of the best contributions people can make is keeping their cats inside.”