| Overall Rating | Gold |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 73.80 |
| Liaison | Corey Peterson |
| Submission Date | June 2, 2022 |
University of Tasmania
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
The Pitt Water Nature Reserve and Pitt Watter - Orielton lagoon Ramsar Site provide habitat for migratory and resident birds and is an important estuarine ecosystem for marine life and commercial ventures such as oyster farming. A number of threatened birds, animals and plants including some unusual and unique species call this home. These values were recognised internationally when the whole wetland was declared a Ramsar Site in 1994. It covers an area of 3,334 hectares and includes all of the Pitt Water and Orielton Lagoon. The Pitt Water Nature Reserve is a part of the Ramsar Site and covers an area of 776 hectares comprising five discrete areas: Orielton Lagoon, Barilla Bay, upper Pitt Water, Woody and Barren islands
The Tamar Conservation Area covers approximately 4,633 ha on the Tamar River estuary in Tasmania. It includes the Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve. It is a popular area for birdwatching. There are approximately 3.2 km of walking tracks at the wetlands including a boardwalk for easy access to the island.
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
See uploaded document: OP10_Threatened spp and Conservation areas 2020
Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:
A number of informal, public and private reserves have been identified on Tasmanian University properties and within 500 metres surrounding the properties. Public land classification includes all reserves proclaimed under the Nature Conservation Act 2002, the Forest Management Act 2013 and the Crown Lands Act 1976.
See uploaded document: OP10_Threatened spp and Conservation areas 2020
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
The University properties in Tasmania are regularly assessed for natural values and threats using the LIST (Land Information System Tasmania), a whole-of-government online infrastructure that helps with finding and using information about land and property in Tasmania. The LIST is managed by Land Tasmania, a Division of Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).
The most recent review occurred in late 2020.
A brief description of the scope of the assessment(s):
The assessment was undertaken for Tasmanian properties only. The few properties that the University manages in the mainland were excluded because of lack of information.
A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:
In 2005, UTAS identified that ‘environmental protection and sustainability are key priorities in the way the University operates’ by adopting the Governance Principle GLP9 on Environmental Management and subsequently developing the University’s Environmental Management Plan 2009-2011. This plan aimed for net positive environmental outcomes, with one of the main objectives being to manage and improve biodiversity in an ecologically appropriate manner in consultation with the various university communities. Since then, several plans and programs have been put in place to address this objective. Plans and programs include:
- The inclusion of biodiversity and natural environment in the Sustainable Built Environment Designs Policy
- The inclusion of the protection and enhancement of the natural environment as a key element for the University Reserve’s fire management plan at Sandy Bay Campus. The plan includes suppression of weeds and encouraging endemic flora and fauna communities
- Significant multi-year efforts delivering protection and improvement of Newnham Creek at Newnham Campus
- Feral animal and weed control, as well as protection of penguin nesting habitat, at West Park Campus.
Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.