National Reserve System
The National Reserve System is Australia's network of protected areas, conserving examples of our natural landscapes and native plants and animals for future generations. Based on a scientific framework, it is the nation's natural safety net against our biggest environmental challenges.
The reserve system includes more than 9,400 protected areas covering nearly 14 per cent of the country - almost 106 million hectares. It is made up of Commonwealth, state and territory reserves, Indigenous lands and protected areas run by non-profit conservation organisations, through to ecosystems protected by farmers on their private working properties.
Fish River Station video
Watch the video
3 May 2012
Fish River Station, a stunning 178,116 hectare property on the mighty Daly River, is breaking new ground in nature conservation in remote Australia.
In recognition of its outstanding natural values, Fish River Station was last year purchased for conservation in a ground-breaking collaboration by the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC), the Nature Conservancy and the Pew Environment Group with assistance from the Australia Government's Caring for our Country Initiative and support by Greening Australia. The ILC owns and manages the property and will eventually hand it back to traditional owners to manage its magnificent biodiversity for future generations.
More news | Watch the video | More about Fish River
About the National Reserve System
Building the National Reserve System is one of six national priorities under the Australian Government's Caring for our Country environmental initiative. The National Reserve System is underpinned by a scientific framework.
During 2009-10 Caring for our Country contributed over $35.8 million to the National Reserve System towards the purchase of 27 properties, covering up to 1.14 million hectares.
About the NRS | News | Science, maps and data | The Caring for our Country initiative
Funding and getting involved
The National Reserve System is one of the world's great conservation partnerships. Under Caring for our Country, the Australian Government has committed $180 million to build the National Reserve System over five years.
Applications for funding 2012-2013 are now open.
