Earth Equity News

Australia Acts to Protect 'Alps' from Climate Change. By Kathy Marksin, London Independent, November 10, 2008, "Australia's most spectacular mountain landscapes, home to unique native species, have been placed on the national heritage register. The Alps of south-eastern Australia cover an area of 1.5 million hectares and encompass 11 national parks and reserves. The site is the largest and most complex to be heritage listed... While the area is best known for spawning the myths and traditions that helped Australians forge a national identity during the pioneer era, it is also highly significant to Aborigines. Occupying an important place in their 'Dreamtime' mythology, it was a location where they gathered in summer to feast on migrating Bogong moths... With the Alps containing Australia's handful of ski resorts, not everyone welcomed their listing. Tourism operators said it would be more difficult for new developments to gain approval. The region is home to rare flora and fauna, such as the snow gum and mountain pygmy possum, and is carpeted with wildflowers in summer. The main threat facing it, though, is climate change. Just a week before the heritage listing was announced, the Australian Conservation Foundation named it as one of 10 national 'icons' most at risk from rising global temperatures."