Biodiversity

The National Land & Water Resources Audit (the Audit) developed the framework for consistent collection and collation of natural resource data across Australia.

The National NRM Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (National M&E Framework) called for the identification of key topics or ‘matters for target’. Each matter for target has a set of ‘indicators’ that will be used to monitor and report on the topic.

Matter for target: Significant native species and ecological communities

Indicator heading: Selected significant native species and ecological communities’ extent and conservation status

Indicator (to be determined as part of the Audit’s biodiversity assessment):

• Status and trends of significant native species and ecological communities

Sponsor agencies

Primary portfolio responsibility for the biodiversity theme lies with the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

National coordination

The first Australian Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment, released in 2002, was the result of a cooperative partnership between the Audit, and state and territory agencies. It was a collaborative exercise combining a broad range of knowledge and expert opinion to report on the status of the nation’s biodiversity.

A second biodiversity assessment helps inform:

• the location, status, condition and trend of biodiversity attributes (in alignment with the national NRM monitoring and evaluation framework (NM&EF) and matters for target
• information to meet Australian Government reporting obligations on biodiversity (e.g. international agreements under which the Australian Government has commitments and State of Environment reporting)
• effectiveness of investments and management interventions for biodiversity conservation
• better targeting of investment in biodiversity conservation to gain greater benefits

A biodiversity assessment working group has been formed to guide the work of the assessment, reporting to an Australian Government steering committee and the Audit Advisory Council. The working group includes representatives from all states and territories, CSIRO and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Audit Related Publications