Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life: the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part. Australia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. It is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity provides the framework for protecting Australia's biodiversity.
A review of the National Biodiversity Strategy has been conducted by the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council and a new strategy is expected to be endorsed in November 2009.
Caring for our Country
Caring for our Country is the Australian Government's natural resource management initiative which will focus on achieving strategic results and invest in national priority areas including biodiversity and natural icons. Caring for our Country
20 November 2009
Water mouse (Xeromys myoides) - open for public comment
Public comments are now being sought on the draft EPBC Act policy statement 3.20 - Significant impact guidelines for the vulnerable water mouse Xeromys myoides. Comments close 18 December 2009.
30 October 2009
Assessment of Australia's Terrestrial Biodiversity 2008
The Assessment of Australia's Terrestrial Biodiversity 2008 reports on change to Australia's biodiversity since 2002. The assessment was prepared by a Working Group comprising the states and territories, the Australian Government and CSIRO.
30 October 2009
Invasive species publications
Two new threat abatement project reports have prioritised mainland and offshore islands taking into account both conservation values and threats, present details of management plans in place for each 'island', and recommended future actions for the high value islands.
29 October 2009
CITES - 15th Conference of the Parties (CoP 15)
Comments are invited from interested individuals and organisations on CoP 15 proposals and agenda items. Comments must be received by 8 January 2010.
15 October 2009
Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens - EPBC Act policy statement 3.16
The Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens ecological community is listed as endangered. This policy statement is intended to provide a guide for stakeholders.
6 October 2009
Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania ecological community
A freecall number (1800 704 520), a questions and answers fact sheet, and EPBC Act policy statement 3.18 is available to farmers and stakeholders wanting more information about the Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania ecological community.
Public notices under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
- Draft policy statements open for public comment
- Draft recovery plans open for public comment
- Nominations for which the Threatened Species Scientific Committee seeks comment
- Threat abatement plans open for public comment
- Wildlife trade applications open for public comment
More news on our what's new page.
- Biodiversity Month is held in September each year and aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity both within Australia and across the world.
- Calendar of environmental events
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