National Parks and Wildlife Service Annual Report 2000-2001

Abstract

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) made significant strides in 2000-2001, focusing on strengthening community relationships and expanding conservation efforts beyond traditional reserve boundaries. Key achievements included supporting the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, inscribing the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, and implementing a new corporate plan. The organization now manages over 5.5 million hectares of reserves and participates in more than 300 research programs and 900 cooperative feral pest control initiatives. Notable developments included the establishment of the Nature Conservation Trust, completion of the Southern Comprehensive Regional Assessment, and the signing of the 100th voluntary conservation agreement. The NPWS enhanced its organizational capacity through team-building programs and received multiple national and international accolades for conservation excellence. Despite challenges, including the Ku-ring-gai fire tragedy, the Service emerged as a stronger organization, successfully integrating its three core conservation themes: extending beyond formal reserves, managing reserves within regional contexts, and enhancing the reserve system through community collaboration.