Collaboration tackles potential threats to Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS), Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC), and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI) recently workshopped to identify and tackle potential threats to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

With bushfires, floods, droughts, and climate change impacts escalating, and population growth and biodiversity loss on the rise, the Blue Mountains region is facing significant challenges. The need to protect its unique natural and cultural values has never been more critical, necessitating greater community engagement, government support and clear alignment of our efforts to tackle these challenges.

Recognising the importance of the issue, Rosemary Dillion, Chief Executive of Blue Mountains City Council, emphasised the power of collaboration and shared “none of these aims will be possible without successful partnerships such as the ones we have with NSW National Parks and Wildlife and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute. Our organisations agree there is a need to work more closely together, and I welcome this collaboration.”

Director of Blue Mountains Branch of NSW National Parks and Wildlife David Crust added “the meeting between our three organisations has been a great opportunity to work toward better collaboration of our efforts and to refine our priorities for future research to assist in better managing the GBMWHA.”

The key threats to the Outstanding Universal Values of the World Heritage area are well understood. Addressing the barriers to tackling these threats more effectively and improving the protection of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area is imperative.

Chief Executive of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, Jane Powles advised “this strengthened collaboration sets a new horizon for our three organisations.

“We all have a responsibility to safeguard this invaluable natural and cultural treasure for generations to come.”

The energy and commitment of these organisations to work together is strong. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, globally recognised for its biodiversity and cultural significance, demands dedication and collaboration to protect it for the benefit of future generations.