Stewardship

What is Biodiversity Stewardship?

The Biodiversity Stewardship Programme partners with private and communal landowners to protect valuable biodiversity assets on their land. This innovative approach extends conservation beyond formal protected areas.

Stewardship Options

• Nature Reserves - Highest level of protection, declared in perpetuity
• Protected Environments - Flexible protection allowing compatible land uses
• Biodiversity Agreements - Voluntary agreements for specific conservation outcomes
• Conservation Areas - Recognition of good stewardship practices

Benefits for Landowners

• Technical support for biodiversity management
• Potential rates rebates and tax incentives
• Increased property value
• Access to conservation networks
• Legacy protection for future generations

Success Stories

To date, five new nature reserves have been created under the Stewardship Programme. The WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project has established five conservancies of about 20,000 ha stocked with founder populations of black rhino.

Get Involved

If you own land with important biodiversity and are interested in the Stewardship Programme, contact our Conservation Planning team.