The Great Eastern Range Initiative (GER) requires a holistic approach to bridge the gaps in native habitat along the Great Eastern Ranges. Because biodiversity cannot be conserved adequately just in the public reserve system, such as national parks, state forests, and nature reserves, some of the GER Partners play a vital role in engaging private landholders to be part of the solution. This may include Traditional Owners, people involved in agriculture, industry or residential landholders who collaborate with the other partners in the initiative such as governments, conservation groups and non- government organisations (NGOs) to contribute to the large-scale GER vision.
Landholders are vital in supporting the processes that link habitats, such as the seasonal dispersal or migration of native species and long term adaptation of ecosystems. Land owners need to be informed, engaged and committed to conserve and manage their lands in line with the “big picture” for connectivity in their particular location.
There are a number of mechanisms and incentives for landholders, through which they can participate in this collaborative effort:
- Private reserves
- In-perpetuity conservation covenants and revolving fund programs
- Term based agreements
- Property registration
Monitoring and Communicating Impact
Private conservation projects are monitored for impact against the set objectives using a rich database available through the GER partners and supporters. Some indicators of success include:
- reduced threat from weeds or introduced species;
- recovery of habitats and increased land under conservation management; and
- improved management practices critical for sustaining healthy habitat, including fencing and stock management.
Monitoring and communicating outcomes provide opportunities to engage an even wider community of stakeholders, including other private landowners, in GER.