Research opportunities
The BCT considers it crucial that its programs and delivery are built on best available information and evidence-based research. It is important that they continue to be refined and improved to maximise the conservation benefits and cost-effectiveness of its investments in private land conservation in NSW, and its functions under the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme.
Research can play a pivotal role in this by:
- enhancing conservation outcomes through better identification and targeting of conservation assets and design of programs, delivery mechanisms and management actions
- increasing landholder participation and satisfaction through identifying factors that enable or limit landholder participation and retention in private land conservation initiatives
- increasing cost-effectiveness of BCT’s investment in private land conservation through better understanding of the market and the costs and benefits of different approaches
- providing evidence for the effectiveness of private land conservation as a policy tool.
As the BCT continues to roll out its programs and the number of private land conservation agreements increases, the increased ecological, social and economic monitoring data that the BCT hold will provide a valuable resource for research projects.
The BCT has developed a Research Strategy which aims to provide information to support the BCT in achieving its objectives as outlined in the BCT’s Business Plan and reflected in the Biodiversity Conservation Investment Strategy which guides BCT investment in private land conservation. It outlines the BCT’s research delivery pathways, priorities, evaluation and communication and has been developed to support BCT private land conservation programs and delivery mechanisms.
If you are interested in discussing a potential research opportunity that aligns with the BCT's Research Strategy, send an email to ecological.ats@bct.nsw.gov.au with a brief description and we'll get back to you.