About Conservation Management Networks

Some ecological communities, such as wetlands, are naturally fragmented. Others were once widespread and relatively continuous, but are now highly fragmented as a result of human settlement and agriculture. Typically, fragmented ecological communities are endangered, not well represented in the conservation estate, and, owing to a lack of large, little-disturbed remnants, offer few future opportunities for conserving remnants within the conventional National Park and Reserve System.

The CMN model aims to redress the poor conservation status of fragmented ecological communities by providing a framework to coordinate the protection and management of remnants. A CMN is a network of remnants and their owners or managers, and other interested individuals. It is managed by a ‘coordinator’ who is available to visit remnants and offer biological advice, coordinate formal protection arrangements and funding for management, promote communication among members, and who is responsible for a CMN newsletter, website and database. The CMN database assists with the running of the network and allows for auditing and reporting of the conservation outcomes for the whole ecological community.

The CMN encourages the continued ownership and management of remnants by their current owners, but at the same time promotes formal commitment to conservation goals. The CMN can accommodate remnants protected by a variety of mechanisms; both government and non-government, including Voluntary Conservation Agreements, Joint Management Agreements, listing on Local Environment Plans and identification through catchment based planning. Some remnants may be managed solely for conservation, while others may integrate conservation with other management goals.

More information

• Links to other CMN websites
• Joining GBWCMN Form (PDF 99KB)