R4, I
PRIME MINISTER
FOR MEDIA WEDNESDAY 5 NOVEMBER 1980
WORLD CONSERVATION STRATEGY
I have written to the Premiers and the Chief Minister of the
Northern Territory concerning the development of a National
Conservation Strategy incorporating the proposals outlined in the
World Conservation Strategy launched in Australia and thirty
other countries on 6 March, 1980.
The World Conservation Strategy seeks to integrate conservation.
and development objectives with the aim of sustaining the use
of living resources ( ie ecosystems and species) for future
generations. The Strategy suggests this will require increased communication
between conservationists, developers and users of living
resources and in some situations priorities must be changed.
The Commonwealth believes that the development of National
Conservation Strategy is a desirable initiative. The National
Strategy would be an expression of jointly developed national
objectives and priorities and would provide guidance for those
responsible for the use of living resources.
The Commonwealth acknowledges the need to refer specifically, as
appropriate, to areas of particular interest to Commonwealth,
State and Northern Territory Governments on the basis of
existing responsibilities.
The Commonwealth has, therefore, proposed that a Steering
Committee be established of Commonwealth, State and Northern
Territory officials, to co-ordinate the development of the National
Conservation Strategy.
The Commonwealth has also suggested that the National
Conservation Strategy be developed in two phases:
The first phase culminating in a National Seminar
at the end of 1981 would result in a draft Strategy.
The second phase would prepare the Strategy for the
approval of governments and would culminate in a
National Conference at the end of 1982 for the
purpose of considering the National Conservation StratEgy
and identifying action plans and nomin-ating priority
measures for implementing the objectives of the
National Strategy. / 2
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The community has a significant contribution to make
towards the development of the Strategy and non-government
organisations will be fully consulted. Every opportunity
will be taken to publicise the matter.
All who have read the World Conservation Strategy will agree
that it is an important, timely and well-reasoned document.
Although Australia's record in this field is commendable, the
Strategy provides a framework for a major collaborative
undertaking by all levels of government, non-government
organisations and the community to further develop and
implement a National Conservation Strategy which will have
the support of all Australians now and in the future.
Attachment: Prime Minister's statement of 28 September 1980.
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