existing and potential threats

[ threats to cultural values ] [ threats to natural values ]

A number of threats to the Tarkine's cultural and natural values and properties have been identified. The effects of these may be highly localised as in the case of vandalised Aboriginal petroglyphs, or more widespread as in the case of a wildfire. Threats may be viewed in isolation (e.g. mining exploration disturbing only a small area of rainforest), however it is more likely that one threat is closely coupled with another (e.g. logging forest also requires substantial road construction).

A single threat may also cause multiple effects, and/or a chain of undesirable impacts. In the previous example, road building in and of itself may destroy or alter the wilderness, natural beauty and introduce pest plants or animals such as the fungal pathogen Myrtle wilt (Chalara australis). Consequently Myrtle-Beeches die, microclimates alter and in comparison to time-scales involving natural evolution, a forest's ecology rapidly alters and its integrity is compromised.

This example not only illustrates a whole range of possibilities but also some probable scenarios. Prevention or minimisation of impacts depends on appropriately resourced management plans which either exclude offending threats or tightly regulates their presence.