Threatened Species Programme

Geographical location:

Asia/Pacific > Australia/New-Zealand > Australia

Summary

The Threatened Species Network (TSN) is a community-based programme of the Australian government and WWF Australia which focuses on the conservation of the country’s biodiversity.

TSN has staff on-the-ground right across Australia working with community groups and other conservation partners to help halt the decline of native plants and animals, particularly those listed by Australia's state and federal governments as threatened. The aim is to consolidate advances in endangered species legislation, and ensure that legislation is supported by sufficient resources.

Background

As Australia's leading species conservation programme, with over 17 years' experience, TSN brings together science with community needs, on-the-ground action with Australia's decision-makers, and national issues with local concerns to help protect threatened species.

WWF Australia administers TSN, which operates as part of the broader WWF Australia species programme.

TSN was formed in 1990 in recognition of the fact that conservation is a concern for all. TSN's main aim is to involve the general public in effective, hands-on conservation action to protect Australia's many threatened plant and animal species and ecological communities.

TSN comprises a team of people working across Australia. The team has a diverse background and extensive practical experience, enabling it to stay flexible in an ever-changing conservation landscape.

To foster effective long-term conservation practices, TSN facilitates, educates, advises, builds understanding and skills, and provides links to governments and conservation organisations that contribute funds and expertise.

TSN manages the TSN Community Grants Programme and TSN coordinators sit on a large number of recovery teams, conservation working groups and biodiversity advisory panels around the country. Involvement in conservation at all levels, from working with individual community groups to helping shape policy, places TSN at the forefront of evolving conservation methods.

Objectives

1. Consolidate advances in endangered species legislation at state and federal levels.

2. Ensure legislation is supported by increased resources for the study and protection of endangered species.

3. Promote community awareness and support for endangered species legislation and programmes.

4. Promote community action and involvement in endangered species conservation.

5. Promote active debate on issues and solutions in areas of potential conflict between endangered species conservation and other interests.