Pannell Discussion #116: Capacities of regional NRM bodies

Pannell Discussions are brief articles on issues and ideas in economics, science, the environment, natural resource management, politics, agriculture and whatever else. See the latest installment called "Capacities of regional NRM bodies".

Summary: A number of natural resource management (NRM) programs around the world have devolved decision making powers to regionally based bodies involving links to local communities. But do these bodies have the required capacity and competencies to make these very complex decisions?

Lantana DVD

A new DVD, Battling lantana: learning from the experiences of others, has recently been released. This DVD aims to reduce the uncertainty that land managers face when it comes to controlling lantana (Lantana camara). Landholders and public land managers have provided their insights into battling this weed to help others avoid many of the costly mistakes that are often made. The story of their successes in reclaiming valued land is being told to show that the invasive spread of lantana can be beaten.

To receive your own copy, please contact Kym Johnson, National Lantana Coordinator on 07 3405 5360 or kym.johnson@dpi.qld.gov.au

International Salinity Forum -Salinity, Water and Society - Global issues, local action, 31 March - 3 April 2008, Adelaide

This forum presents new approaches to tackle the salinisation of water resources including irrigation, dryland and urban salinity, and salt water intrusion. It will provide an opportunity for international and Australian audiences to exchange knowledge about the science, policies and management practices relating to salinity, and particularly its associated water and human dimensions, and to provide a forum for translating scientific knowledge about salinity into sound policy, management and on-ground actions. For more information visit: www.internationalsalinityforum.org

National Natural Resources Management Knowledge Conference, 14 - 16 April 2008, Melbourne

The Victorian Catchment Management Authorities Chairs’ Group announce the second National NRM Knowledge Conference. Directors and Program Managers from Australia’s 56 regional Natural Resource Management bodies, State and Australian Governments Officers will participate in the 2 day program exploring the theme “Changing Landscapes”. The draft program presents opportunities for case studies, grouped under six broad themes:

• Biodiversity decline (including invasive pests, forests and fires);
• Salinity and water quality (including ground and surface water ecosystems);
• Coastal and peri-urban areas (including marine management);
• Productive and sustainable landscapes (including innovative farm and irrigation practices, bio-fuels and corporate land management);
• Capacity Building and institutional change (including knowledge discovery and management);
• Market-based instruments and stewardship payments.

For further information please contact kymberlee@wsm.com.au

Melbourne Environment Report 2007

Produced by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (PPWCMA), the Melbourne Environment Report 2007 is an important monitoring and evaluation tool which reports on the condition and trend of Melbourne and its surrounds, against relevant environmental factors. The report card is unique and gives a rating to these environmental factors (A to E – with A being excellent through to E for unacceptable).