Avoid southern mistakes developing 'true north': WWF
29 Apr 2008
The threat of climate change must not lead to an unsustainable rush to develop northern Australia's mineral, water, land and energy resources, a leading conservation organisation says.
On the opening day of the True North conference in Darwin, WWF has called for a 10-year, Sustainable Northern Australia program to manage threats and build resilience to global warming.
It has urged the Federal Government to work with state leaderships in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia to conserve and develop the region sustainably.
All major ecosystems in northern Australia - tropical rivers, coral reefs, coastal wetlands, rainforests, savanna woodlands and low islands - are ranked as being at medium or high risk from global warming.
"Northern Australia is a globally significant conservation icon with a harsh climate, poor soils and unreliable water supplies," Nick Heath, WWF's Freshwater Program Leader, said.
"We must work towards a prosperous future for the region and in order to achieve this, it is critical we avoid mistakes made in southern Australia and other tropical locations.
"For sensitive ecosystems to survive we must keep them healthy to have their best chance of adapting to hotter temperatures and bushfires, more frequent cyclones and rising sea levels."
WWF is a strong supporter of development and wealth creation in northern Australia, but only if it favours high-value sectors with low environmental and cultural impacts.
WWF's Northern Landscapes Manager, Dr Stuart Blanch, believes initiatives involving indigenous communities have a key role to play in safeguarding northern Australia.
"There needs to be major investment in indigenous ranger networks to help Traditional Owners get access to and look after their country," he said.
"Building resilience means conserving native vegetation rather than clearing it for agriculture, keeping free-flowing rivers free of dams, and supporting indigenous communities and pastoralists to manage weeds, reduce over-grazing by cattle and burn off to prevent major wildfires."
For more information:
Nick Heath, Freshwater Program Leader, WWF-Australia: 041 888 5324
Dr Stuart Blanch, Northern Landscapes Manager, WWF-Australia: 0427 957 868
Julian Murphy, WWF Press Officer: 0418 970 778
