Ellenor Nixon

What Norway can teach Australia about managing environments

If Ellenor Nixon had her way, farmers and conservationists would always be at the same table when talking about land management. 

As land managers, she believes they have more in common than sets them apart, especially when seasonal conditions turn dry, and when both want the land to be cared for.

It’s why the cattle farmer from Merriwa, NSW, is keen to delve into the relationship, in her research titled “Conservation and Agriculture: Conflict or Collaboration?” Her work will look at how other countries find, if not consensus, a mutual understanding and appreciation.

Here’s where Norway comes in. Part of Ellenor’s study tour will involve a visit to reindeer farming in Norway, where fragile and variable landscapes must be managed carefully to avoid environmental damage. There are lessons here that can be applied to Australia, Ellenor says, despite the vastly different temperatures and climates. Across the world, farmers are dealing with climate extremes and sit alongside conservationists in addressing the challenge.

High on her agenda, though, is that productive land should not be locked up and recognition that farmers play a critical role in land management, not only in good seasons but in droughts, too. She believes that conservation and productive farming can go hand in hand, contributing to drought resilience, social licence and business sustainability.