Protected Areas
There are numerous protected areas in all States and Territories that have been created to protect and preserve Australia's unique ecosystems. Protected areas include national parks and other reserves, as well as 64 wetlands which are registered under the Ramsar Convention and 16 World Heritage Sites. As of 2002, 10.8% (774,619.51 km²) of the total land area of Australia is within a protected area. Protected marine zones have been created in many areas to preserve marine biodiversity; as of 2002 they cover about 7% (646,000 km²) of Australia's marine jurisdiction.
Protected areas of include those managed by the federal Department of the Environment and Heritage, and national parks and other protected areas managed by the states, Agencies responsible for protected areas include:
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
- New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change
- Parks Victoria
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- National Parks and Wildlife South Australia
- Department of Environment and Conservation (Western Australia)
- Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
- Chief Minister's Department (Australian Capital Territory)
- Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory
Read more about this topic: Conservation In Australia
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