Put your conservation CAP on
Mid North and Rangelands community members can have a say on how natural resources are managed in for their district, with invitations open for the Natural Resources Northern and Yorke’s Mid North Agricultural Districts Community Action Planning (CAP) workshop.
Community Team Leader for Lower and Mid North, Bonnie Maynard said participating in the CAP meeting in early April will give individuals and communities the opportunity to help define natural resource management (NRM) priorities for their district.
"We are asking community members to be involved so that all sectors of the community can be heard and our projects reflect the values of the people that live, work and connect to the natural resources in our region."
Community action planning is used internationally for developing and implementing large-scale management programs, with Northern and Yorke region the first in Australia to adopt it for NRM.
It brings together government agencies, non-government organisations like Trees for Life and South Australian No-Till Farming Association, community groups and local landholders with the aim of idenitifying NRM issues within the district, developing and prioritising potiential projects and identifying funding opportunies. The final result of the CAP will see NRM staff working with communities to get projects up and running.
"We are looking for a good mix of expert knowledge and local experience to ensure projects not only improve the condition of local natural resources, but also bring social and economic benefits to local communities," Ms Maynard said.
Community members have a strong understanding of the conditions and issues facing their local environment and the skills and knowledge that are vital for the CAP process, so collaboration is key.
"We live in a dynamic and productive region, with our livelihoods, lifestyles and landscapes closely connected to our soil, water, native plants and animals."
"Industries that contribute to the economic prosperity of our local communities, including agriculture, viticulture and tourism, depend on these important natural assets and it is imperative that we all work together to ensure their health and viability" Ms Maynard said.
The Mid North Agricultural Districts CAP meeting will be held in Riverton on Monday 11 April at the Riverton Sporting Complex.
To learn more about CAP or to participate in the Mid North Community Action Planning workshops, please contact the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Centre in Clare, telephone 8841 3444.
