Constraints on Private Conservation of Biodiversity

The private sector is being constrained from undertaking conservation of biodiversity by a range of institutional factors, according to a report released today by the Productivity Commission.

The Commission Research Paper Constraints on Private Conservation of Biodiversity found that a number of Commonwealth and State and Territory institutional and regulatory arrangements — particularly relating to land tenure, competitive neutrality, native wildlife regulation and taxation frameworks — can impede otherwise desirable private conservation activities.

Commissioner Neil Byron said ‘These arrangements are characterised by extensive and often complex legislation and regulation. Native wildlife regulatory frameworks, for example, vary between jurisdictions and can be overly complex. Property rights to native wildlife are often not well defined or consistent’.

The report found that the constraints can increase the relative costs and risks of private conservation activities compared to other viable land uses. Dr Byron said ‘this may ultimately influence investment decisions and can lead to less efficient and effective conservation outcomes’.

The report finds that removing or reducing regulatory and other impediments could have positive biodiversity benefits, although further analysis is needed to assess specific policy responses.