Healthy arid lands

Central Australian deserts are unique landscapes. They have evolved from ancient rainforests and massive inland seas to the vast tracts of red sand, ranges of eroded rock, and the diverse highly adapted vegetation species that we experience today.

70% of the Australian landmass is either arid or semi-arid rangelands. We must sustainably live in and manage these landscapes to protect the biodiversity and natural values that have supported generations of desert people for more than 50 000 years. Healthy arid lands are functioning desert ecosystems that can sustain healthy remote towns and communities.

For many years ALEC has advocated for responsible resource use and integrated land management systems that work across the desert landscape. This requires governments, pastoralists, indigenous land managers, Traditional Owners and conservation groups to work together and share knowledge. Through this cooperative approach systems are being developed to best manage the threats of weeds and feral species whilst protecting the natural and cultural values of the landscape.

ALEC works hard to protect biodiversity and the natural values of clean air, water and healthy soils. ALEC also advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks governing pollution reporting and groundwater extraction for mineral, gas and petroleum industries working in Central Australia.