The Australian Conservation Foundation:
- Reveres the enormous sweep and splendour of life on earth which has evolved over billions of years.
- Values and promotes in all Australians a love for this ancient island continent, its seas and waters and its unique life forms and landscapes.
- Recognises that we share the earth with many other living things that have intrinsic value and warrant our respect, whether or not they are of benefit to us.
- Seeks to protect biological diversity; the different plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which they form a part and their potential to evolve.
- Recognises that human society and economic activity depends upon the sustainability of the planet's natural systems.
- Seeks a society that changes our relationship to the earth to one of harmony with the environment: from one of dominance to partnership; from fragmentation to connection; from insecurity to interdependence.
- Believes that each generation holds the earth's natural values in trust for present and future generations.
- Values and respects the custodianship and the continuing and special relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples to their traditional lands and waters.
- Values and works co-operatively with those who advocate for and take action to protect the environment.
- Believes that social equity and justice are fundamental to sound environment outcomes. Believes that strong environmental policies help to achieve society's goals of improved quality of life, good health and a sound economy.
- Values participatory democracy and will work to defend the rights and enhance the role of all people in protecting the environment.
- Will pursue positive solutions to environmental issues, which include consideration of social and cultural impact
1. Work towards a society which protects, sustains and restores the environment, and provides:
- Healthy air, land, water and biological diversity
- Sustainable cities and industries
- A nuclear-free Australia
- Action to protect the global environment
1.2. Regularly review campaign support structures and delivery to ensure maximum flexibility and effectiveness.
1.3. Continue to develop collaboration between staff, councillors, members, branches, volunteers and the public in campaigns.
1.4. To affirm and strengthen the link between indigenous and other cultural values and protection of the environment.
2. Stimulate public and political discussion of ideas and actions for the environment
2.1. Improve ACF's performance as a communicating organisation.
2.2. Use scientific, legal and economic and other relevant expertise to develop campaigns and assess campaign outcomes.
2.3. Ensure ACF's strategic participation in relevant civic and political debates.
2.4. Provide environmental leadership by generating, harvesting and communicating innovative ideas and actions.
3. Strengthen the organisation
3.1. Review issues relating to good governance to ensure capacity and flexibility to meet changing environmental needs.
3.2. Increase financial support to enable planned growth of campaigning capacity.
3.3. Use annual plans, campaign plans and work plans and a process of regular reviews to achieve measurable results.
3.4. Strengthen ACF through teamwork across the organisation and improved working conditions.
4. Broaden and strengthen the environment movement
4.1. Build stronger links within the Australian environment movement and communities.
4.2. Strengthen links with regional and international environment movement.
4.3. Reach out to other 'social change' groups nationally and internationally to achieve environmental objectives.
4.4. Forge corporate and professional alliances to deliver environmental outcomes.
Adopted C87:2
21 November 1999