Land

Native vegetation

Biodiversity Benefits Framework — Case Studies

The case study assessment phase of the project involved the application of the Biodiversity Benefits Framework to a series of case studies from around Australia.

The framework was used to assess the expected benefits of mapped on-ground works. Most vegetation enhancement activities supported by programs such as the Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) are too recent to assess actual biodiversity benefits of on-ground works. At this early stage, only potential benefits can be assessed. The following case studies were chosen because they are amongst the few regions with detailed mapping of on-ground works such as fencing of remnant vegetation and revegetation:

  1. The Saltshaker Project, Boorowa, central NSW
  2. The Bushweb Project, Northern Midlands, Tasmania
  3. The Meander Valley Project, Meander Valley Council, Tasmania
  4. Holbrook Landcare Projects, Holbrook, southern NSW
  5. The Goolwa-Wellington Local Area Plan, south-eastern South Australia
  6. North Central Catchment Management Authority Projects, northern Victoria
  7. Mt Barker region, south-western Western Australia

Most of these projects received NHT funding to support the planning, implementation and mapping phases of the projects. None of the projects are complete. Mapping and database development are still taking place. On-ground works are still being implemented and in the case of the Holbrook Project, proposed works have also been mapped. It was deemed that four of the seven case studies were sufficiently complete to warrant a detailed application of the assessment framework. These detailed assessment reports can be accessed by clicking on the case study name above.

The case studies illustrated that reconstructing native vegetation is a slow and expensive process, even with a commercial driver such as hard wood plantations. It is a process that involves extensive planning and involvement of many landholders and agencies. Reconstruction proceeds in bits and pieces — a few shelter belts, riparian strips and portions of remnants are fenced at any one time, by any one landholder. From a policy perspective this is a major challenge; protection and reconstruction of native vegetation in agricultural landscapes will take long-term institutional support.

The reality documented by these case studies is also less than ideal for biodiversity. Many wildlife species are declining, native plants are failing to regenerate and ecosystem processes are failing; salinity and soil acidity are simply symptoms of biodiversity loss. The colourful GIS images compiled in this report paint a sobering, yet hopeful picture. Enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes has finally started, but it proceeds in little chunks scattered across broad landscapes. Biodiversity benefits are just beginning to emerge as thousands of farmers interact with hundreds of local groups supported by a rich mix of facilitators, incentives and policies.

Further details and results of these assessments can be found in the summary report prepared by CSIRO Case Study Applications of a Draft Framework for Assessing the Biodiversity Benefits of Vegetation Enhancement Activities.

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