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New independent environment fund for habitat restoration and biodiversity preservation for Bass Coast Shire

A new Environment Fund by Bass Coast Shire Council and Biodiversity Legacy to restore habitats independently of council. It will accept grants, donations, and focus on biodiversity preservation and habitat restoration across Bass Coast landscapes.

By news@gippsland - 19th June 2024 - Back to News

A new, independent Environment Fund aimed at restoring precious habitats around Bass Coast will be formed, following its unanimous support at council's June council meeting yesterday. Bass Coast Shire Council is partnering with Biodiversity Legacy to establish the not-for-profit fund, that will be able to accept grants and philanthropy and tax-deductible donations and will run as a separate entity to council.

Bass Coast Shire Council partners with Biodiversity Legacy to create an independent Environment Fund to restore local habitats and biodiversity

Reverse biodiversity decline

The Fund's purpose is to reverse biodiversity decline by preserving and enhancing existing habitat and accelerating the restoration of connected habitat across the landscape. "We see it as our role to do everything possible to protect the unique habitats and landscapes that surround us. The Environment Fund will not only raise money for these projects, but it will also help council build the right partnerships so we can continue this work for future generations," said Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve.

While specific projects are yet to be identified the Environment Fund will prioritise protecting priority areas of existing biodiversity, securing and restoring land with a high potential for biodiversity, establish viable habitat refuges and connect them through biolinks.

The Fund's activities will attract visitors to the region, along with leading researchers and dedicated volunteers. The Fund's partner, Biodiversity Legacy shares the same vision as council, to preserve and restore the region's natural landscapes, while combating climate change and species extinction.

Creating independent fund

Cr Le Serve said, "The Environment Fund will create a legacy for future generations, and we hope, be a guiding light for other regions looking to embark on similar large-scale environmental projects. We looked outside of the council to establish the Fund as we wanted it to be independent, with the ability to access donations and funds from like-minded community members."

The Environment Fund will be made up of a governing board of two to four directors, with half appointed by council and half by Biodiversity Legacy. It will work closely with a range of partners, stakeholders and local land managers.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com