Restoring trust: are novel approaches needed to improve biodiversity conservation outcomes in Central West NSW?

<p>Biodiversity loss is impacting the health and function of earth systems. Land clearing for agriculture continues to be a key driver of biodiversity loss in Australia. There is global recognition that biodiversity conservation and restoration are urgently need to reverse biodiversity loss. In central west NSW, land clearing rates are high, and uptake of conservation agreements is low, compared to the rest of the State. This presents a challenge to delivering Commonwealth and state commitments to biodiversity conservation. This research explored what motivated land practices in the region, what might motivate uptake of private land conservation, and based on these findings, ways to improve long-term conservation policy outcomes. Research incorporated a landholder survey and semi-structured interviews with policy experts. Barriers to landholder uptake of private land conservation were identified as a complex mixture of institutional mistrust, economic motivations, and entrenched views of private property rights. Policy measure barriers included lack of flexibility and failure to respond to local motivations. Conservation outcomes will rely on novel conservation approaches that work towards rebuilding trust, increasing landholder agency and offering greater flexibility and economic incentives. Investment in deeper engagement and co-design approaches could deliver longer-lasting conservation and social outcomes.</p>