400 People Gather at 2025 Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) Conference

November 25, 2025

*400 Participants attended the 2025 ALCA Conference in Cairns, Australia in October. Credit: ALCA.*

Over four days, 400 delegates from across Australia explored the theme “Scaling Up: Local Action for Global Solutions”, at the 2025 ALCA Conference. The gathering was a powerful moment for connection, reflection, and action, and reminded us that each of us holds a piece of the solution, and when we align local impact with global ambition, transformation happens.

Chandni Navalkha and colleagues Kate Austermiller and Ben Starrett from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy travelled to Cairns, Australia for the 2025 ALCA conference on behalf of the International Land Conservation Network. Credit: ALCA.

Panel discussions, thematic sessions and networking events over the course of two-and-a-half days showcased the remarkable dedication, achievements and ambition of the Australian land conservation community of practice. From keynotes to conversations, practitioners and decision-makers addressed key opportunities, solutions and pathways to conserving Australia’s unique natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations.

*Chief Anne Richardson, one of two ILCN Conservation Visionary Award recipients at the 2024 ILCN Global Congress in Quebec, Canada, was the keynote speaker for ALCA 2025. Credit: ALCA.*

About the ALCA Conference

The annual ALCA Conference is about building connections and networks; and as the program showed, it is also about advancing a strong agenda to support the protection, stewardship, and restoration of nature on private and non-government managed land. This includes:

Strengthening and enforcing the laws that protect nature, to protect what’s left before it’s gone.
Scaling up public, philanthropic, and private investment in nature, to reverse chronic underfunding.
Enabling broader participation through incentives that create opportunities, not barriers, for land stewardship.
Building a strong, supported workforce that can sustain this growing sector: one that includes strong First Nations leadership; engaged, resourced and informed landholders; investment in application of technology and innovation; and the next generation of conservationists.

With less than five years to 2030, delivering Australia’s commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework and Paris Agreement depends on this agenda.

Key Reflections from ALCA 2025

As Peter Garrett said in his closing keynote: “the conference has reminded, reinforced and renewed our sense of what needs to be done—so let’s continue to expand that great undertaking. The natural world and everyone relying on it for its health will be the better for it. And we certainly have no time to lose.” Below are reflections coming out of this year’s gathering.

The gap between ambition and action remains wide. Investment in nature is far below what’s needed, policy reform is slow, and scaling private finance will take time. However, the leadership and innovation that exists within our sector provides a profound example for all.
Our work is complex and often challenging, but gatherings like ALCA25 matter: to recharge, share ideas, and celebrate progress.
It has never been more evident that conservation on private and non-government managed land is a critical lever for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, cultural connection, community wellbeing, and for building intergenerational equity.

*Chandni Navalkha, Director of Conservation and Stewardship at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy announces ALCA’s successful bid to co-host the 2027 ILCN Global Congress in Melbourne. Credit: ALCA*

Looking Ahead

The 2026 the ALCA Conference will be convened in Lutruwita/Tasmania, in October.

Finally, keep a look out for information coming soon in the new year regarding the fifth ILCN Global Congress, which will be co-hosted by ALCA from October 26-29, 2027 in Melbourne. To stay connected for updates, sign up here.