National Goals

Australia's Strategy for Nature has three priority focus areas, or goals, underpinned by twelve objectives. The goals work together in continuous loops designed to reinforce each other. By connecting people with nature, we enhance their desire to care for nature, which in turn builds knowledge that can be shared to improve our care for nature and the benefits we receive from connecting with nature.

GOAL 1

Connect all Australians with nature

Most Australians care about nature. However, modern life means many of us have become disconnected from nature in our daily lives and sometimes we forget its importance. Connecting Australians with nature is essential to our long-term mental and physical health, economic prosperity and national identity. Indeed, maintaining the connection with nature is central to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity.

Objectives

1: Encourage Australians to get out into nature

2: Empower Australians to be active stewards of nature

3: Increase Australians’ understanding of the value of nature

4: Respect and maintain traditional ecological knowledge and stewardship of nature

Contribution to National Strategy

10 Policy

33 Program

2 Legislation

International Contribution

GOAL 2

Care for nature in all its diversity

Nature is an asset from which all Australians benefit. While building the resilience of our native species and the health of our landscapes, seascapes and aquatic environments is challenging, the benefits of success greatly outweigh the costs.

Objectives

5: Improve conservation management of Australia’s landscapes, waterways, wetlands and seascapes

6: Maximise the number of species secured in nature

7: Reduce threats and risks to nature and build resilience

8: Use and develop natural resources in an ecologically sustainable way

9: Enrich cities and towns with nature

Contribution to National Strategy

13 Policy

43 Program

4 Legislation

International Contribution

GOAL 3

Share and build knowledge

Effective management and protection of nature in Australia is best supported by an evidence-based approach built on sound knowledge.

Decisions should draw on scientific information and data, including from biodiversity, taxonomic, ecological and sociological sciences, nature management methods and approaches, and traditional ecological values and knowledge. There is significant effort around Australia to extend this knowledge base, and to monitor, evaluate and report on actions at regional and national levels.