The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust is established under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW).
We protect and enhance biodiversity on private land, promote public knowledge and an appreciation of biodiversity and deliver a Biodiversity Offsets Program.
We are a statutory body of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Role and functions
We lead a range of programs and initiatives, delivered in close collaboration with landholders, communities, and stakeholders:
- We deliver private land conservation programs through conservation agreements, tenders, and stewardship payments.
- We support the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme, including strategic offset outcomes and management of the Biodiversity Stewardship Payments Fund.
- We provide expert ecological advice, education, and support to landholders, stakeholders, and the broader community.
- We maintain public registers and ecological monitoring data to support evidence-based conservation.
- We embed Aboriginal cultural values and land management practices into program design and delivery.
- We promote public engagement and awareness with educational programs for communities and future generations of conservationists.
- We have strong governance and transparency guided by a Board and 4-year business plan, approved by the Minister for the Environment.
- We contribute to national and global conservation goals, including the 30 by 30 target and Australia’s Strategy for Nature.
Learn more about how we deliver conservation on private land.
Why is this important?
NSW is home to globally significant biodiversity. Much of it is found on privately managed land.
With more than 80% of NSW land in private hands, private land conservation is critical to reversing biodiversity decline.
See What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Legislation and governance
The NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust is established under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) – Part 10
This legislation provides the framework for our operations and underpins our commitment to:
- support ecologically sustainable development
- maintain a healthy, productive, and resilient environment for current and future generations
- administer conservation agreements and our role in the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme with transparency and accountability.
For details see our legislation and governance framework pages.
Strategy
We are guided by 3 strategic priorities.
- Protect and enhance the natural environment in areas significant for biodiversity.
- Increase public knowledge and participation in biodiversity conservation.
- Secure strategic biodiversity offset outcomes that deliver real conservation benefits.
By 2029, we aim to:
- Permanently protect an additional 120,000 hectares of private land.
- Actively manage an additional 200,000 hectares for biodiversity outcomes.
Meeting these goals will contribute to a global 30x30 target to protect 30% of nature by 2030.
See Business Plan 2025–2026 to 2028–2029.
Values
Our strategic priorities reflect our values and how we work with landholders and communities.
- Trust: We are reliable, fair and consistent.
- On ground: We establish local relationships that support conservation goals.
- Integrity: We set clear and consistent standards and our science is upheld globally.
- Long term: We put nature in the hands of future generations by managing funds to support conservation forever.
See Business Plan 2025–2026 to 2028–2029.
Outcomes
- 590,000+ hectares under protection forever.
- 300+ threatened species protected.
- We support landholders to manage threats like climate change and invasive species.
- We contribute to Australia’s National Reserve System and global biodiversity goals.
See private land conservation outcomes.
Key corporate publications
Organisation and structure
See our Agency Information Guide and Meet our team.
More about us
Contact the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust
We welcome your feedback.