A case for integrating indigenous biodiversity into on-farm planning

Abstract

A considerable proportion of remaining indigenous species-dominant vegetation occurs on farmland in
private ownership outside of the public conservation estate. This is particularly true of lowland settings,
where native ecosystem representation is critically low. An opportunity exists to link indigenous biodiversity
outcomes on private land with the need to improve the delivery of broad ecosystem services from
farm systems, at the same time reducing farming’s environmental footprint and improving farm resilience
to major climatic events. This discussion paper (i) highlights the current status of indigenous biodiversity
on-farm (ii) explores the current status of research on the integration of indigenous biodiversity into
existing farm planning initiatives and (iii) demonstrates through two case studies, the potential contribution of
indigenous biodiversity to economic, environmental, cultural and social outcomes on and beyond the
farm. While the condition and function of indigenous vegetation contributes to conservation outcomes, this
is just one, albeit important, relevant farm system outcome.