Tender based approaches and auctions for conservation payments
Tender based approaches, also called auctions, are a new way to deliver funding to community groups and individuals for conservation works and, sometimes, permanently protect biodiversity.
In a tender scheme, landholders are invited to submit a bid to carry out conservation works on their property and determine the cost of carrying out the works. Bids are ranked according to best value for money.
Tender schemes are typically used in regions where many landholders are managing properties containing an important biodiversity value, such as a threatened vegetation community. The theory behind this approach is that the scheme provider can obtain a greater area of protection for biodiversity values at a lower cost than other voluntary incentive options.
The first tender scheme was the Bush TenderTM Trial, run by the former Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in 2001/2002. The results of the trial, and later rounds, can be found at Bush TenderTM
A number of other tender schemes have now begun, or are being developed. These include:
- Bush Incentives (Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority)
- Vegetation Incentives Scheme (Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines)
- Liverpool Plains Land Management Tenders (Liverpool Plains Land Management Committee)
If you or your organisation is running a tender scheme, developing a scheme, or considering a scheme for your State or region and you would like to share experiences and information with other tender scheme managers please join the CONPLAN discussion group. The group discusses all issues relating to conservation on private land.
See also
