Budawang Coast Nature Map

This project is the result of many people’s enthusiasm to learn more about the natural environment in our uniquely beautiful area; and the desire to record and share our observations of it. The Budawang Coast Nature Map project enables everyone with an interest or passion for the natural world to contribute to this important work of reference.
Our Map spans the landscape from the Great Dividing Range in the west, covering the Budawang Wilderness area, Morton National Park and other surrounding National Parks. On the coast of New South Wales we cover the ocean north from Moruya up almost to Kiama, which includes both the Bateman’s Bay and Jervis Bay Marine Parks.

Objectives

The aim of this project is to identify as many of the living plants and creatures of this region as possible over the coming years, to species level. We will help people explore and learn more about this place and to provide an ever-growing rich database of biodiversity information for locals and visitors, naturalists other scientists and students. Through documenting the natural world to species level, we increase our individual and collective knowledge, sharing our information and learnings throughout the broader community. We work across tenures from protected areas, including national and marine parks, to private land and everything in between.
This project is entirely run by volunteers. Everyone who observes and records the life of this region is encouraged to log their sightings and make a preliminary identification. Skilled and knowledgeable Moderators will help to confirm the sightings recorded, in dialogue where necessary with contributors.
Our database is managed by several Administrators supported by the team of dedicated Moderators, who are appointed for each species group and confirm each sighting before it is uploaded to the Atlas of Living Australia. So, contributors to the Atlas of Budawang Coast are making a verified and valuable rich contribution to the national archives.
We plan to organise surveys of many kinds to study in depth and record the biodiversity of our region. We are fortunate that individuals have offered to share their knowledge and collections to be incorporated into the BCNM.