Australians overwhelmingly support stronger action to protect nature. But new research reveals a stark reality – the funding simply isn’t matching that intent.
The Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) has, for the first time, systematically analysed how much is actually being spent on nature across Australia. Its Nature Spend Tracker Insights Report reveals a significant and persistent gap between what is needed to protect biodiversity and what is currently being invested. Even with increased government spending, the shortfall remains substantial. In other words, meeting the scale of the biodiversity crisis will require more than public funding alone. It will depend on a broader mix of investment, including philanthropy, private contributions and community support.
Governments cannot act alone
The Nature Spend Tracker brings together federal, state, territory, philanthropic and private funding to establish Australia’s first national baseline for biodiversity investment. The findings are sobering.
Federal government spending on biodiversity was estimated at $649 million in 2025, with 91% concentrated in just five national programs. To put that in perspective, it’s less than 0.1% of the budget, and a fraction of what’s needed. At the same time, Australia is estimated to spend $26.3 billion annually on subsidies that harm biodiversity – more than 17 times what is spent protecting it.
State and territory governments contribute a similar amount, around $635 million per year. However, this figure includes a mix of biodiversity protection, environmental management and compliance activities, meaning the portion directly benefiting biodiversity is likely lower.
Against this, the scale of need is clear. The report estimates that Australia requires around $8.3 billion every year simply to protect and repair environmental damage – and this does not include the long-term costs of managing and restoring landscapes. Taken together, these figures point to a profound funding gap.
The role of philanthropy
Philanthropy is often seen as a way to help bridge this gap. Yet its current contribution to environmental protection remains relatively small. Data from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission suggests that around $250 million is raised annually by environmental non-profits. According to the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, however, less than 4% of total philanthropic giving in Australia (and internationally) goes to the environment.
This reveals a disconnect; while Australians care deeply about nature, only a small proportion of charitable giving is directed toward protecting it.
Where organisations like BioDiversity Legacy fit
More than 60% of Australia’s landmass is privately owned or managed. Many threatened species depend on habitats outside national parks and public reserves, making private land conservation essential.
This is where organisations like BioDiversity Legacy play a critical role. By working with landholders, communities and donors, BioDiversity Legacy helps create pathways to permanently protect and restore ecologically-significant land. This work directly addresses the gap between widespread public support for nature and the resources required to safeguard it.
Turning support into impact
The findings from ALCA’s research make one thing clear – governments cannot meet this challenge alone. But there is a pathway forward. Through a combination of public investment, philanthropy and community action, it is possible to close the gap and secure meaningful, long-term outcomes for nature.
For those looking to contribute, supporting organisations like BioDiversity Legacy is one way to turn concern into action. Even modest contributions can help protect critical landscapes and the species that depend on them – now and into the future.
Help close the gap for nature. Donate to BioDiversity Legacy today.