Glossary

N

(Indigenous); a group of Indigenous people who share the same language and area of land, river and sea that is their traditional land. 

Australia’s network of protected areas that conserve examples of natural landscapes, and native plants and animals. The system has more than 9,300 protected areas, including federal, state and territory reserves; Indigenous lands; and protected areas run by conservation organisations or individuals. 

A commitment made by countries that are parties to the Paris Agreement to limit their greenhouse gas emissions to a certain amount as of a certain date. 

A form of recognition of Indigenous people as rightful owners of that land. It recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights and interests to land and waters according to their traditional law and customs as set out in Australian law. Native title is governed by the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). 

Organisations appointed under the Native Title Act 1993 to help Indigenous people with their native title claims. 

Plants that are indigenous to Australia. 

The stock of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources (e.g. plants, animals, air, water, soils, minerals) that combine to yield a flow of benefits to people. 

The process of calculating the total stocks and flows of natural resources and services in a given ecosystem or region. Accounting for such goods may occur in physical or monetary terms. This process can subsequently inform government, corporate and consumer decision-making because each relates to the use or consumption of natural resources and land, and sustainable behaviour. 

The management of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, with a focus on sustainable practices. 

All natural biological resources (including timber and aquatic resources), mineral and energy resources, soil resources and water resources. 

A state in which greenhouse gas emissions are fully offset by carbon sequestration.  

See also carbon sequestration. 

Resources that will not regenerate after exploitation within any useful time period. Nonrenewable resources are either re-usable (e.g. most metals) or not re-usable (e.g. thermal coal). 

A suborder of fish, most of which are endemic to Antarctic waters. 

A generic term for oxides of nitrogen. 

Movement and exchange of organic and inorganic materials through the production and decomposition of living matter.