At the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (NWSMA), we know that conservation and agriculture can, and must, work hand in hand.

Many of our members are both landowners and farmers – custodians of the land in every sense.

That’s why Objective 5 of our Biodiversity Management Plan is focused on promoting sustainable farming that supports both biodiversity and long-term economic success.
By integrating agricultural best practices into our conservation framework, we’re helping landowners access niche markets, improve productivity and demonstrate their environmental leadership.

Agricultural best practice: Farming for the future

The NWSMA is working to establish a recognised set of best practice guidelines for sustainable agriculture that protect natural resources, reduce environmental impacts and improve soil and water health. Key actions include:

• Exploring market advantages that come from farming within a formally conserved area.
• Supporting research into regenerative farming, soil health and other best practices.
• Working with our partners to together develop clear, practical agricultural guidelines tailored to our region’s farming context.

Unlocking value: Niche markets for sustainable products

In today’s market, more consumers and buyers are demanding goods produced in harmony with nature. We’re helping landowners tap into this trend by looking at agriculture niche markets that reward sustainability. Our work includes:

• Offering assurance that products meet environmental standards set out in our NWSMA.
• Incorporating these niche markets into the broader NWSMA business plan.