Nature underpins our lives, our health and our economy. The air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat. The places we escape to. Our identity.
But right now, nature in Australia is in trouble. We are a world leader in animal extinction, and critical ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Murray Darling Basin are collapsing before our eyes.
Habitat destruction from logging and land clearing for agriculture and urban development remains one of the primary drivers of extinction.
The loss of nature in our cities and regional Australia is also making people vulnerable to dangerous heat waves and extreme weather events.
Wentworth Falls catches the light on a cool Autumn morning. Photo: Dale Cochrane
Our forests, wetlands and bushlands store greenhouse gases, provide homes for our unique animals and birds, and are places where people restore and revive.
Healthy ecosystems are the foundation for our economy. Nature underpins our food systems, and investment in our natural environment creates direct jobs in industries like tourism and land management.
First Nations Peoples have a deep and lasting connection to Country and have cared for, shaped and managed land and sea for millennia. Through respecting, supporting and investing in Indigenous knowledge and leadership we can protect culture, nature and people.
Guided by the oldest culture on Earth, we can reduce our climate impact, safeguard the places, plants and animals we love, and keep people and nature healthy.
Rare and endangered Australian Sea Lions swim and play in the shallows of Hopkins Island, South Australia. Photo: Michael Patrick O'Neill
Right across Australia, people from all walks of life are rolling up their sleeves to protect the nature that still thrives and restore what’s been lost.
From planting trees and habitat for wildlife, to speaking out against pollution and destruction, nature lovers everywhere are coming together to save our big backyard.
Nearly half a million people have signed ACF’s biggest ever petition, calling for laws that actually protect nature and wildlife. Tens of thousands have called on decision makers, made submissions, and spread the word.
Join us! Together let’s pull together to save our big backyard.
Our lives and livelihoods depend on thriving nature. Together, let’s save our big backyard.