Australia is one of the 17 megadiverse countries worldwide, with so many species found nowhere else in the world.
Home to kangaroos and koalas, devils and dingos, Australia is ancient and spectacular. Pristine white beaches, mangrove marshes and rugged cliffs fringe this island continent of dramatic natural contrasts, including tropical rainforests and mighty deserts.
Reptiles, birds and plants in astonishing diversity render a walk through the Australian bush an unforgettable experience: the scuttle of a dragon as it flees from your approach, a kookaburra’s comical laugh and the comfortingly familiar smell of eucalyptus are all unmistakably “Aussie.”
These prehistoric landscapes, dating back 4 billion years, are home to some of the most intact and expansive natural environments left on earth. The world’s largest intact desert, largest intact tropical savanna and the largest temperate woodland are all Australian.
Well renowned for its unique wildlife, Australia is also home to the world’s oldest continuous human culture. For at least 65,000 years Aboriginal people have inhabited Australia, with a lifestyle inextricably linked to caring for the lands and waters that have provided for all of their needs.
These astounding places and cultures are under threat.
Australia has a crucial role to play in helping to solve the biggest challenges to people and nature.
Together, with partners, communities, business and governments, we are working in Australia to find nature-based solutions that are scalable and enduring, so people and nature can thrive. Through our work in Australia we are:
- Tackling climate change by supporting Indigenous communities manage fire on their lands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a massive scale;
- Assisting Indigenous communities develop management plans for their country and securing its protection for conservation;
- Rebuilding the critical but forgotten shellfish reefs around Australia;
- Restoring the key marine habitat delivered by kelp forests around southern Australia;
- Finding better ways to ensure freshwater for wetlands and agriculture in the country’s biggest river system, the Murray Darling Basin;
- Protecting grasslands and fighting the extinction of the critically endangered Plains-wanderer;
- Protecting havens of biodiversity to establish new national parks like The Lakes and Cuttaburra National Parks.
Visit our Australia website to learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work in Australia.
Read More
Protecting Grasslands and Fighting Extinction
Covenants with private landowners are providing long term protection for critically endangered ecosystems.
Australia's Commitment to 30 by 30: Essential Conservation at Scale
To support Australia’s national 30 by 30 goal, The Nature Conservancy is working with state governments to protect large, biodiverse ecosystems at a landscape scale.
Restoring Australia’s Lost Shellfish Reefs
TNC is leading Australia's largest-ever marine restoration initiative, building 60 shellfish reefs across the country.