Episode 4: Citizen Conservation

Australia is one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world, and our landscape is an integral part of our cultural psyche, lifestyle and economy. Yet, our biodiversity is failing and under threat, with increasing rates of extinction. Government funded conservation is traditionally only applied to state land – ie national parks – so only covers a fraction of the landscape. This episode looks at the role of the citizen dollar and effort in conservation outcomes, and how private philanthropy can achieve better biological outcomes in conservation. Breaking it down with us today is Doug Humann, founding CEO of Bush Heritage and one of Australia’s most respected conservation leaders.

KEY QUOTES
"The beauty of working in the private space is the nimbleness and flexibility that one has and the ease by which you can build partnerships. I’m not saying you can’t do that in the government space, but there are a lot more constraints."

"Some of the work that bush heritage is doing now… is way ahead of what governments are able to do in their public protected areas because they are not putting the money in and the emphasis isn’t on the biological conservation as much as I think it should be, its more offering opportunities for people to undertake tourism or recreation, which are valid things, but the primary purpose of most national parks is nature conservation."

"We know that there is a lot of money out there and available for a range of philanthropic activities … environment doesn’t do to well in the whole scheme of things… its probably 2-4%."

"I think we need to be more circumspect in ensuring that the organisations that have already got standing voice and traction are encouraged to be the best they can be, rather than proliferation of groups"