Eco-link a global conservation initiative for the 21st century.

The Territory Government’s Territory Eco-Link was today strongly endorsed by the Environment Centre NT as providing global leadership on conservation and preparing for climate change.

“We warmly congratulate Territory Environment Minister Karl Hampton and the Territory Environment Department for starting this visionary plan.

“This is Thinking Big for conservation, one of only a half dozen examples on this scale worldwide.

“Creation of the Fish River Gorge Block south of the Daly River is a big link in the Eco-Link chain.

“Eco-Link is a long term plan for looking after the Territory’s unique wildlife and getting ready for climate change shocks along a 2000 km long conservation pathway.

“But it needs adequate funding. Conservation is not about locking up the land and walking away.

“The land needs its people to conserve it. Otherwise weeds, feral animals and fire will take over.

“That means funding Indigenous Traditional Owners getting on to Country to care for it, helping pastoralists establish conservation covenants for threatened species, and National Parks Rangers fighting weeds and wildfires.

“The $20M could be easily turned into $50M by leveraging funds from the Federal Government’s National Reserve System using its 2-for-1 funding formula, from private conservation organisations, from the private sector wishing to support a good cause, and from industry seeking carbon offsets."

For further information contact: Dr. Stuart Blanch, Coordinator, on 08 8941 7439 or 0448 887 303