Natural resource management advisory series : note 12: Biodiversity it's everyones business

Abstract

This advisory note examines the concept, importance, and current state of biodiversity in North East New South Wales, Australia. The document provides a comprehensive overview of biodiversity at three distinct levels: genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity. It presents compelling economic valuations of ecosystem services, estimated at US$22 trillion annually globally, while highlighting specific regional examples such as koala tourism ($1.1 billion annually) and Dorrigo National Park's economic contribution ($5.4 million annually). The note identifies Australia as one of twelve 'megadiverse' countries, with the North Coast of NSW containing particularly high biodiversity levels, including the state's largest number of threatened species. Key threats to biodiversity are discussed, with land clearing and degradation identified as the primary concerns, resulting in the extinction of 80 species and endangerment of over 800 species in NSW alone. The document emphasizes the critical relationship between vegetation protection and biodiversity conservation, concluding that biodiversity preservation requires collective responsibility and action across all landscapes. This advisory note serves as a foundational resource for understanding biodiversity management challenges and opportunities in regional Australia.