Protect the Murray-Darling Basin

The Murray-Darling Basin is one of the world’s largest and most productive river basins providing one third of Australia’s food supply and accounting for $19 billion of agricultural output. It harbours some of our most important natural assets, supporting a diverse array of animals, plants and ecosystems of national and international significance.

With the damaging effects of drought, unsustainable agriculture, over-exploitation, poor management and other factors, the future of the Murray-Darling Basin and all life that depends on it is at considerable risk.

Ecosystem at risk

In early 2019, if you’ve heard about the mass fish deaths and devastation caused by drought in New South Wales, you know how heartbreaking it is to see fish dying because there is not enough water in the Murray-Darling Basin. In a recent assessment of overall ecosystem health, it’s no surprise that more than 80% of the Murray-Darling Basin’s river valleys were rated as being in poor or very poor health.

If this news saddens you, you’re not alone. You know that action needs to be taken to save the Murray-Darling Basin. Every little thing you, your family and friends are doing to help nature gives us hope that, together, we can make a difference. 

We're reversing the damage at Gayini to reinstate a more natural flooding regime to give our iconic species a fighting chance to thrive again. Gayini Nimmie-Caira is an 88,000 hectare property in the lower Murray-Darling Basin, known as the "Kakadu of the South”. 

It's a remarkable place that's one of the few significant remaining areas of river red gums in Australia. During the wet season, the lakes and other wetlands in the area join up to become an inland sea that makes the perfect breeding ground for threatened species such as the Blue-billed Duck, Southern Bell Frog, and the Murray Cod.

It's going to take everything we've got to keep nature healthy and whole.

Australian researchers believe we are getting dangerously close to a threshold where whole ecosystems could collapse. 

There are so many natural places that need to be cared for. And like all conservation projects, it takes time and your unwavering support. Every donation over $2 is tax deductible. We urge you to make the most generous gift you can.

Where your money goes

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been protecting the environment for nearly 70 years. From our historic work in land acquisition to cutting-edge research that influences global policy, TNC is constantly adapting to take on our planet’s biggest, most important challenges. Our vision is to create a world where people and nature can thrive. With your support, we can put the best conservation science into action right now.

In the last financial year, 84% of gifts have gone straight into conservation programs. We strive to ensure your vital donations make the largest impact for nature now and for the future of our planet.