NRM Regions Australia congratulates Burnett-Mary Regional Group (BMRG) for developing the first regional accounts using the Accounting for Nature (AFN) framework.
BMRG launched their regional account with Dr Ken Henry through a keynote speech at the 8th National NRM Knowledge Conference on 2 November and have received widespread media coverage for this achievement.
It is widely recognised that measuring and understanding the condition of our environment is essential for looking after it. Whether farmers are looking to better understand their soil to increase yields, Governments are improving actions to protect threatened species, or members of the private sector or government are investing in environmental repair, we need a clear understanding of our environment to fulfil any vision for our future.
'At NRM Regions Australia we are excited to see the acknowledgement by Dr Henry and Accounting for Nature of the fundamental work that Australia’s regional NRM plays across the country,' NRM Regions Australia CEO, Dr Kate Andrews said.
'This continent-wide model is unique in the world, helping people protect and manage the environment we all rely upon.'
Building upon many years of NRM collaboration with the Accounting for Nature approach, the BMRG regional account builds on work that has been carried out through regional NRM plans for decades- offering new sophistication in data development and management through time.
Natural Capital Accounting methods, such as Accounting for Nature, are being trialled across Australia and offer new opportunities for assessing the health and values of environments at different scales.
'These tools can help regional NRM organisations and landholders make better decisions- including identifying data and knowledge gaps, tracking improvement over time, and informing and opening pathways for investment.' Dr Andrews said.
'The work of BMRG really builds on and helps us to communicate the strength of regional NRM across the country. Regional NRM plans, which have been developed in every one of the 54 NRM regions nationwide, have been recognised for decades for their value in providing an Australia-wide understanding of natural resource priorities. This value is acknowledged through the legislation governing Australia’s first environmental market- the carbon market- under the Carbon Farming Initiative Act 2011.'
'Tracking how our work is improving the environment over time may provide more diverse future investment pathways,' Dr Andrews said. “I know regional NRM organisations across Australia are really looking forward to getting into the nuts and bolts of these frameworks to explore how one can best be used to support our critical work across Australia.”
NRM Regions Australia is the peak body for Australia’s 54 regional Natural resource management organisations.
Contact: Kate Andrews – [email protected] 0403604823
