Natural Values – National Parks Association of NSW

A Better Future for Public Native Forests

Posted by NPA NSWon February 27, 2017February 28, 2017in Autumn 2017, Native Forest LoggingLeave a comment

It’s possible with diverse community support

^{Dr Oisín Sweeney, Senior Ecologist, National Parks Association of NSW}

Last year the National Parks Association NSW (NPA) released a report that showed how, despite being a noble attempt to marry some pretty uncomfortable bedfellows (logging, conservation and recreation), the Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) have failed in all of their high level aims. From protecting the environment to maintaining long-term economic stability and jobs in forest industries, the RFAs have not worked. A new approach is desperately needed writes Oisín Sweeney.

What is nature worth? Priceless!

Posted by NPA NSWon December 2, 2016February 28, 2017in Summer 2016Leave a comment

^{John Turnbull, Past President, National Parks Association of NSW

Anne Dickson, Sustainability facilitator and consultant and sessional lecturer in sustainability}

As I sat on the rocky ledge just south of Jibbon Head in the Royal National Park, I couldn’t find the words. In front of me – a pod of dolphins, migrating humpback whales, and just to my right, an Australian fur seal feeding in the shallows. Behind me – an echidna, black cockatoos, finches and early spring wildflowers. And the value of all this? Nothing short of priceless.

In today’s society, we seem to need to put a price tag on everything. Of course, some things can be valued in monetary terms – anything which has a market, which is bought and sold. Even then, the price paid may not be a true reflection of the value or cost – hence the need for carbon pricing, for example.

Why Are National Parks Important

Posted by NPA NSWon November 1, 2016November 1, 2016in Featured PostLeave a comment

National parks protect the best of our natural heritage: stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and majestic forests. Together with other protected areas they form the basis of our economic and social wellbeing, attract millions of visitors annually, and help to protect Australia’s unique wildlife by acting as a refuge for threatened species. Although their primary purpose is the protection of biodiversity, National Parks also deliver other invaluable economic, social, cultural and health benefits to Australians. Future generations deserve the right to see these natural values intact and protected as we do today.