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FNPW
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Together we are making
conservation happen

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is the charity partner of national parks and wildlife services across Australia. We are a non-government organisation with a mission to safeguard our ecosystems, wilderness, and flora and fauna now and for future generations.

How your contributions help

Impact Report

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Protect

nature

Prevent

extinction

Provide

a better future

Conservation protects our future.

In Australia today, millions of hectares of habitat have no permanent protection. Sadly, without a lasting form of protection, habitats can be degraded or destroyed and a high rate of species extinctions is the result. In fact, Australia has lost two of its unique mammals to extinction since the year 2000 (the Christmas Island Pipistrelle and the Bramble Cay Melomys). Since European settlement, over 40% of our forests have disappeared. When the land is not managed to protect natural biodiversity, we endanger our native species — many of which are found nowhere else on earth. And when we lose them, they are lost to the world forever.

We believe in conservation, not only because it protects native plants, birds and animals, but also because it protects us. After all, you simply can’t be healthy in an unhealthy environment.

By acting now to protect nature and prevent extinction, we can secure a better future for all.

You can act now to safeguard

Australia for future generations

Permanent protection means habitats and species can survive and thrive, creating a healthier tomorrow for our future generations. At FNPW, we believe the answer to our environmental issues focuses on people and conservation. By encouraging people to care and to practice more positive ecological behaviours through environmental education, we are protecting and conserving habitats in the most secure way possible, while making it available for you to access and enjoy.

What we spend money on

Ways you can get involved

Impact you can see

For 50 years, FNPW has worked with local, state and federal governments to gain permanent protection for habitats and species to grow Australia’s national parks system. We execute this work in partnership with scientists, indigenous and community groups, as well as corporates and individuals working to conserve Australia’s unique habitats, species and cultural heritage. By working in partnership, we can protect natural Australia for future generations.

DOWNLOAD THE IMPACT REPORT

50  years

 and counting

Since 1970, FNPW has been protecting land and species for future generations. We care about our parks and wildlife so that all Australians can enjoy these natural gifts.

$60m

invested 

With the support of, and in partnership with, governments, business, community, and people like you, we have invested more than $60 million to make conservation happen in Australia.

100%

coverage

FNPW involvement across all states and territories includes hundreds of conservation projects. But we still need your support — there are many ways you or your company can get involved.

Species in trouble … and lost forever

To date almost 2000 plant and animal species are in trouble or extinct. Australia has the highest rate of
vertebrate mammal extinction in the world - nearly 1 in 3 of our unique mammals are at risk of extinction.

507

Fauna species in trouble or extinct

38.00% Vulnerable
31.90% Endangered
17.00% Critically endangered
0.20% Extinct in the wild
10.40% Extinct
1.60% Conservation dependent
1375

Flora species in trouble or extinct

42.70% Vulnerable
40.30% Endangered
14.30% Critically
endangered
2.70% Extinct
See Sources

The rate of extinction continues

By 2021, 104 endemic Australian species were listed as extinct. In the past 20 years, the number of
threatened species and ecosystems has grown by more than one-third. Climate change threatens to
increase the rate of losses up to fivefold.

See Sources

What’s causing the problems?

The three biggest causes of threat and extinction are:

Land clearing is a primary driver of biodiversity loss in Australia.

At the turn of the 21st century, Australia’s deforestation rate was the sixth highest in the world. Australia’s native forests now cover only 19% of the total land area. Over 40% of forests and woodlands have been cleared, mostly for agricultural expansion. About 8 million hectares of threatened species’ habitats were cleared between 2000 and 2017.

Protected areas such as national parks play a key role in reducing deforestation and protecting species.

See Sources

Extreme fire weather has been getting worse across large parts of the country since the 1950s. 2019 was the driest, warmest year since records began in 1910. In the 2020 bushfires - the largest single recorded fire season for eastern Australia - 17 million hectares was burned and a more than one billion animals were killed with a significant impact on many rare or threatened animals, plants, and insects. In NSW alone, over 37% of the State’s national park estate was impacted.

2020 Fires; extent of damage to NSW National Parks

See Sources