Engaging Pastoralist

Engaging Pastoralist: Providing a deeper understanding of biodiversty and monitoring.

This project aims to increase pastoralist understanding of biodiversity and the benefits of managing key biodiversity areas on stations. 

Through site visits to two different pastoral properties, participants will review existing biodiversity sites, current monitoring and learn to establish new monitoring where needed. Training will be delivered on Rangeland Monitoring Tool (RMT) techniques, with hands-on identification of species and ecological indicators. Monitoring will be supported by a rangelands specialist consultant, with monitoring events across established sites each year. Field days will offer practical training in landscape function, biodiversity value and land condition. 

The project also include presentations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, covering available calculators and their use in rangeland systems. Outcomes include improved landholder knowledge, practical skills in biodiversity monitoring, and increased awareness of the link between biodiversity, productivity, and emissions. The project will wrap up with presentations at a regional forum to share learnings and encourage wider adoption. 

This project addresses the limited understanding and practical application of biodiversity management within pastoral operations in the GPRI Region. Many pastoralists value their landscape but lack access to knowledge, tools, and support to monitor and manage biodiversity effectively. Without this, key biodiversity areas may degrade, affecting ecological function, productivity, and long-term resilience. Our goal is to build landholder capacity to monitor, manage, and enhance biodiversity on-station. 

Objectives include: 

- Conducting two site visits to demonstrate diverse biodiversity areas

- Reviewing or establishing monitoring using the Rangeland Monitoring Tool (RMT) 

- Training with a rangelands specialist to improve species recognition and site interpretation

- Providing tools to understand greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity co-benefits 

- Hosting a field day and delivering presentations to increase broader industry engagement. 

The project supports environmental, productivity, and social outcomes by linking biodiversity to land condition and business sustainability. It aligns with the North Drought Hub, WA’s State NRM Strategy, and regional NRM priorities to build adaptive land management capacity. If not delivered, opportunities for knowledge-sharing, improved biodiversity outcomes, and informed land management decisions may be lost. This SMART, time-bound project is achievable through GPRI's networks and practical delivery experience.