2.2.

2
M I N I M I S I N G H U M A N I M PA C T S
 KEY CONCEPT

• Humans can undertake a range of actions to minimise their

impact on the environment.

• These actions can be large scale (carbon tax) and small scale
(sticking to tracks, recycling etc).
 W H Y M I N I M I S E I M PA C T S ? ?

• Usually the desire to minimise our impact is motivated by self-

interest. E.g.

• The environment will be there for us and for our children to

enjoy in the future.
• The ozone layer will not be further destroyed.
• We do not run out of wood for building and fuel.
• There will be sufficient oil to power machinery and transport.
 QUESTION??

• What restrictions have been placed at a natural environment

that you have visited? (E.g. Lake Mountain, Wilsons
Promontory, Cape Paterson)

• Why are the restrictions imposed?

• Is the natural environment benefiting from them?

• A number of agencies including governments, commercial
and community-based groups have worked together to make
guidelines for people to follow when undertaking
commercial and recreational pursuits.

Lets take a look at

some…………
 ZONING

• Management authorities for public land are responsible for a diversity

of natural environments and features and for responding to a wide
variety of existing and potential demands for recreational and resource
use.

• To zone an area, management authorities have to consider the

following:
- Conservation significance
- Current and potential recreation and resource users
- Natural, historic and cultural features
- Remoteness
- Degree of modification
- Existing facilities
• Zoning also occurs in urban areas. The application of the
zones secures the protection of green wedges land for its
environmental, agricultural, historic, landscape, recreational,
archeological and natural resource values.
 C AT C H A N D S I Z E L I M I T S

• The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is responsible for

licensing and regulating recreational and commercial anglers and
Victoria’s fisheries.

• In order to ensure a sustainable use of fisheries, the Victorian

Recreational Fishing Guide has been developed to determine
catch and size limits, along with closed seasons for streams, lakes,
marine and estuarine fisheries.
 D S E – D E PA RT M E N T O F
S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y A N D E N V I R O N M E N T

• The DSE is a management authority that creates Public Safety Zones.

They are intended to:
- Protect flora and fauna
- Allow rehabilitation of forests after fire or logging
- Protect water, soil, natural, cultural and historical values
- Minimise soil erosion after heavy rainfalls
- Ensure safe conduct of timber harvesting
- Manage public recreation activities by restricting access to allow for
preparation for events such as car rallies, music festivals (Falls Festival)
and orienteering events.
- Protect sites where scientific or research investigations or educational
activities are being conducted
 LANDCARE

• Landcare is a voluntary community group movement that aims at

improving natural resource management.

• It was established as farmers recognised that effective land

management required a coordinated approach across a number of
farms.

• The program is a partnership between the community,

government, private industry and the Victorian Farmer’s
Federation.
• Landcare is aimed at encouraging rural and urban communities to
care for their land. The various Landcare groups (e.g. school,
conservation etc) address a range of issues including:

- Land degradation
- Weed infestations
- Pest animals
- Declining vegetation cover
- Damage to rivers and streams
 LAND FOR WILDLIFE

• Land for Wildlife was first established when the first property
“Brickmakers”, Winchelsea was registered in Victoria, 1981.

• The idea came about as landholders began voluntarily

protecting habitats for wildlife on their land. This was
encouraged and assisted by the government.

• There are currently more than 5900 Victorian Land for

Wildlife properties, managing 160 000 hectares of wildlife
habitat.
• Ways in which Land for Wildlife practices can minimise and manage
human impacts on the natural environment are:

- Retaining and protecting remnant vegetation

- Allowing leaf litter, fallen logs and branches accumulate in habitat
areas
- Fencing areas near native bush to allow regeneration
- Restricting livestock access to stream banks
- Fencing natural wetlands
- Leaving river snags is place for fish habitat
- Planting local native trees, shrubs and grasses
- Constructing a wildlife dam
- Controlling pets, weeds, rabbits and foxes
 C O N S E RVAT I O N C O V E N A N T S

• This is an agreement between a private landowner and Trust for

Nature (TFN) to protect and enhance the natural, cultural and/or
scientific values of the land. TFN is a not for profit organisation
working to protect the remnant bush land in Australia.

• Land with high conservational significance will be covenanted.

Eg. Threatened species that live in a particular area.

• Conservation covenants have the same power as legislation.

M I N I M I S I N G H U M A N I M PA C T S C A U S E D
B Y R E C R E AT I O N A L U S E

• Walk only on formed tracks

• Camp only in designated camping areas
• Consider your group size in relation to the venue
• Use fuel stoves
• Do not remove rocks, ground litter, plants, animals including shells and
seaweed
 M I N I M I S I N G H U M A N I M PA C T S C A U S E D
BY COMMERCIAL USE

• Abide by catch size and limit regulations while fishing

• Fish in designated commercial fishing areas with an appropriate
license
• Protect and maintain remnants of specific native ecosystems on
your land
• Restore plant communities
• Adhere to all industry regulations
 QUESTION??

• How can we directly influence the impact we have on the

natural environment in a positive way?
 PERSONAL ACTION

• Reduce household water consumption

• Purchase energy efficient appliances and turn off lights
and other electricity consumers when not in use
• Reduce your consumption, consider the following:
- Can I borrow it?
- Can I share it?
- Can I rent/lease it?
- Can I buy it second hand?
W H AT O P T I O N S A R E T H E R E F O R R E U S E ?

PRODUCT OPTION FOR REUSE

MILK CARTON

SHOPPING BAGS

GLASS JARS

N E W S PA P E R

TINS

FOOD SCRAPS

GARDEN CUTTINGS

I C E C R E A M C O N TA I N E R S
OPTION – LEARNING ACTIVITY
2.34

• Investigation – Domestic Water Consumption, Pg. 112