A plan to protect biodiversity and natural assets from natural disasters
Queensland, a global biodiversity hotspot, is home to more than half of Australia’s native species, many of which are unique to the State.
These species, however, face extinction risks exacerbated by natural disasters like cyclones, floods, droughts, and fires, now intensified by climate change. With 88 per cent of land in Queensland dedicated to primary production, sustainable agricultural management is crucial.
Eleven regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations, employing 334 skilled staff in 27 offices, collaborate with communities to enhance climate resilience and sustainable farming.
Using the best possible science, these organisations ensure ecosystems, essential for environmental services, can withstand natural disaster threats.
By supporting disaster preparedness, the regional NRM sector works with governments and stakeholders to optimise emergency response and recovery efforts.
NQ Dry Tropics led the development of an Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to protect the biodiversity and agricultural natural capital in the Burdekin Dry Tropics.
The primary objective of the plan is to enhance preparedness and response to natural disasters by integrating biodiversity and agricultural natural capital into emergency planning. This will help improve the resilience and recovery of these critical assets.
Key outcomes
Detailed analysis: The report provides the background of how to populate a database to represent the region’s biodiversity and agricultural assets, identifying the most vulnerable species and habitats.
Preparedness actions: The database outlines specific actions to protect these assets before disasters strike, focusing on habitat management, conservation strategies, and agricultural resilience.
Response strategies: The database details immediate response actions to safeguard biodiversity and agricultural assets during and after natural disasters.
Importance
The aim of the plan and the interactive map is to protect and sustainably manage natural resources and enhance preparedness for future natural disasters, ultimately contributing to stronger regional economies and healthier ecosystems.
