Ocean Discovery & Restoration

Australia is surrounded by magnificent oceans and a marine environment that’s the envy of the world.

The Ocean Discovery and Restoration Program was launched in late 2021. The Australian Government committed $15 million to co-invest with partners to amplify ocean discovery and marine habitat restoration.

The Parks Trust was engaged to support Parks Australia, who will develop and deliver projects.

The program aims to promote collaborative efforts to discover, conserve and restore the marine biodiversity in the vast Australian Marine Parks estate.

The Minderoo Foundation was the first partnership announced under the program, with a Director of National Parks investment of $3.4 million. This exciting new partnership transforms how the health of Australian Marine Parks is monitored through eDNA technologies. To support the management and conservation of our unique marine ecosystems, scientists will use eDNA as a non-invasive, robust biomonitoring tool to track threatened species through small amounts of their genetic material released into the ocean. This information is important in identifying places of high ecological value and in monitoring the health of our precious species and vulnerable ecosystems across Australia’s 60 Marine Parks.

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Header image credit: © Parks Australia

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The National Parks Conservation Trust acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Custodians of Country and recognises their continuing connection
to land, sea, culture and community.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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Public Statement from The National Parks Conservation Trust

To our Donors, Supporters and Partners,

After 6 years of supporting transformational projects in and around Australia’s six Commonwealth national parks, 60 marine parks and the Australian National Botanic Gardens, The National Parks Conservation Trust we will be ceasing operations on June 30, 2025.

This was not an easy decision. It comes after a thorough review of our mission, impact and sustainability in today’s philanthropic landscape. We are deeply proud of what we have achieved together.

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your donations and your thoughtful participation, which has made our work possible.

While The National Parks Conservation Trust will no longer operate as an organisation, our mission continues through the people and communities we’ve worked with across the Commonwealth national parks and marine parks.

As we wind down, we are committed to a responsible closure: we are ensuring all remaining funds and assets are distributed in line with our Deed and charitable purpose. Rest assured all current projects underway will be seen through to completion by Parks Australia. Honoring these commitments is a key priority for us during this period.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’ve made a difference to the conservation of Commonwealth national parks and marine parks.

If you have any enquiries, please contact [email protected].

With deep appreciation,
Chair, Rhondda Dickson and all the Trustees