Sustainable Conservation’s Post

Here is something that Renae Frigo and I wrote about the Natural Areas Stewardship Act and The Conservation Foundation’s involvement. We dive deep into how The Conservation Foundation has since been active in activities supported by the Act’s grants program. #conservation #sustainability

Fragmentation is one of the nation’s most urgent conservation challenges. As land is sub-divided, so are its natural resources: clean air, clean water, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, biodiversity and more. Smaller units become progressively less productive until they finally lose their connectivity to the larger ecosystem and cease to function. In this interview with Land.com Network, the Alliance vice president of conservation initiatives, Erin Heskett, answers five questions about land trusts and their work to prevent land fragmentation. This is a great read for those interested in learning about how land trusts work with landowners to keep land intact in perpetuity.

In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canadian-based Coast Funds released this report that highlights conservation finance tools that can support First Nations in achieving their stewardship and conservation goals. The report features sample conservation finance portfolios and addresses a key question facing First Nations and other governments – how can communities conserve forest ecosystems without compromising economic security?  👉 Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/gS6x4Kf9 #NIPD2024

Accounting the Value of Ecosystem Services of Western Range Conservation Practices The recently released report, Accounting for Nature’s Value with Rangeland Conservation Practices in the Western Range and Irrigated Region, describes an evolving analytical framework used to help estimate the ecosystem services value of three key rangeland conservation practices in the 11 state Western Range and Irrigated Region. The project, funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), focuses on Brush Management, Herbaceous Weed Treatment, and Prescribed Grazing—and 13 ecosystem service benefits provided by rangelands. It determines these practices result in an average increase of $45.70 acre/year on private rangelands and $5.71 acre/year on Bureau of Land Management-managed rangeland.

Land Tenure and the Adoption of Conservation Practices: Do Renters Make Operating Decisions Like Owners? Learn more on this Amber Waves article: https://lnkd.in/gScsCZdy.

This article came out three months into us being live as a Responsible Body. seemingly, we are the first active England wide RB. It's been quite a ride and learning opportunity, supported by a fantastic team RSK Wilding and RSK Biocensus. So what have we learned? Here are a few points so far. *very few LPAs seem to be in the same position *there is a marked difference in standards and approaches in the BNG market *it is complex to understand the risk profiles of schemes over 30 years * agility + cadence does not always = quality *while assurance is not confirmed, many are aiming for the best quality they can *the significance of the change BNG will deliver to the development industry is not going to be equal to the scale of impact it will deliver for nature recovery *people have vastly different ideas and perspectives on the ease with which restoration can take place and be maintained *we love the passion of all the actors leading the way on standards and just managing to get things in the system delivered. at all levels. *it's hard to distinguish the current wave of BNG needs from an accurate perspective on future market needs across England. floods and droughts look likely. *there are real tensions over the scale of the market and displacement of delivery *small developers seem to get penalised in some areas because part units are being blocked. Natalie Bryce is the legal brain that makes this possible, with thanks to Richard Howe Anna Smith Jon Davies Elizabeth Clements CIEEM for their hard work up to now. Also, thank you to our prospective clients and their patience as we started. Some of whom will see their conservation covenants come to life over the next few months.

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) approved over $116 million in Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program grants on December 14th to permanently protect approximately 50,500 acres of croplands and rangelands, as well as lands utilized by California Native American tribes for the cultivation of traditional resources. This year, for the first time, SALC funding will support California tribes with land acquisitions, advancing the state’s work to support tribal access, co-management, and acquisition of ancestral lands. SALC investments from this round of funding also provide pathways to land ownership and access to agricultural lands for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. This is the ninth round of annual SALC funding, which is in the process of protecting 244,000 acres of agricultural and working lands statewide, making further progress on California’s goal to conserve 30 percent of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. ------ We congratulate all the winners! We had the opportunity to work with 40 Acres Conservation League (Acquisition Grant) and Resource Conservation District of Monterey County (Capacity Grant) during the grant application process.

🍃Is Indigenous Land Reform Key to Ending Tasmania's Forest Wars? 🌲 A radical proposal is stirring the waters in Tasmania, with stakeholders pushing to return 85% of contested forests to Indigenous communities. This move could potentially end decades of conflict over Tasmania's forests, blending environmental conservation with the rightful acknowledgment of Indigenous stewardship. 🔑 Key Insights: 1️⃣ Revolutionary Land Management: The proposal transfers over 300,000 hectares of land, including significant areas like Takayna/Tarkine, Bruny Island, and Blue Tier, back to Indigenous Australians. This approach seeks to resolve the long-standing "forest wars" by blending traditional wisdom and modern conservation principles. 2️⃣ Industry and Indigenous Collaboration: Backed by forest industry figures, this initiative is about land return and forging a new path for sustainable forestry in Australia. It represents a unique collaboration that could ensure resource security while honouring Indigenous heritage and rights. 3️⃣ Conservation Meets Cultural Recognition: Amidst concerns from conservationists about potential logging, this proposal underscores the importance of balancing environmental protection with the recognition of Indigenous lands. It challenges us to rethink conservation in the context of cultural and historical rights. 🌍 #questionforgroup: Can the return of lands to Indigenous stewardship offer a sustainable solution to Tasmania's forest disputes? How might this approach redefine our relationship with nature and support conservation and cultural recognition? 🔗 Explore the depths of this transformative proposal and its potential to harmonize environmental conservation with Indigenous rights: https://lnkd.in/gzTgnikN #indigenous #landreform #sustainableforestry #conservation #culturalheritage #sustainabilitymatters #environment #tasmania #woodcentral #woodcentralau1 #auspol #taspol #aboriginal #aboriginalaustralia

Despite decades of policies aimed at protecting habitat, Europe's biodiversity has been declining precipitously since the 1960s. Today, EU Member States are trying something new. The EU's Nature Restoration Law is the first to legally bind nations to landscape restoration targets. It is an urgent response to critical conditions on the ground, but will it work? I Mónica V., Carolina Halevy, and I explore this question through the lens of those being called upon to implement the law in a new piece for the International Land Conservation Network. Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, Eurosite - the European Land Conservation Network

CSIRO Why conservation is a collective effort. Conservation is a long-term effort requiring teamwork and sustained dedication, sometimes across generations. The efforts of these collaborative projects, programs, and examples go much deeper and further than the brief examples shared. With your continued support, we hope to achieve many more wins for conservation. Learn more about how we’re helping maintain the integrity of our environments.  https://lnkd.in/g2EizcDV