The Biodiversity Toolbox
The Biodiversity Toolbox was developed in 2002 for the Department of the Environment and Heritage by Environs Australia, supported by the Commonwealth’s Biological Diversity Advisory Committee (BDAC), with guidance from the Commonwealth Local Government Biodiversity Education Steering Committee, consisting of key stakeholders.
The development of the Biodiversity Toolbox was funded by the Australian Government under the Natural Heritage Trust. The Toolbox consists of a web-based collection of information, tools, resources, contacts and links, designed to assist local government prioritise biodiversity conservation and integrate it into planning and management operations. The Toolbox is structured around a benchmarking framework to guide the planning and implementation of biodiversity conservation goals.
Research conducted over recent years has improved understanding of the constraints and barriers inhibiting councils from taking a more proactive approach to natural resource management in their local areas. The National Local Government Biodiversity Survey, [scroll down to ‘Biodiversity’] undertaken in 2000, highlighted five major areas of concern for councils across Australia:
The Toolbox targets each of these areas, and aims to ultimately build the capacity of council staff and elected representatives to become champions for their communities.
The Biodiversity Toolbox is maintained by the Department of the Environment and Water Resources and will be updated regularly to ensure it continues to be relevant and useful. Suggestions for improvements or information on new resources will be welcome.
For new resources or suggestions for the Toolbox: contact us
