In the sweeping landscapes of Australia, where ancient ecosystems pulse with life and fragile habitats face growing threats, Rachel Lowry has carved a path as a passionate protector of nature. “Some parts of our natural world are simply too precious to lose,” she says, carrying the weight of conviction earned over decades in conservation. Now at the helm of Bush Heritage Australia, Lowry oversees efforts to secure and restore millions of hectares of land – an ambitious mission driven by science, partnerships with traditional custodians and the agricultural sector, and the unyielding belief that together, we can flip the trajectory of nature’s decline. Her work stands as a testament to what’s possible when collective action meets a clear and urgent vision.

Some parts of our natural world are simply too precious to lose, and once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

For Lowry, the journey to a net zero, nature-positive future is neither straightforward nor singular. It’s a mixture of strategies, stories, and moments of hope. Whether championing AI-powered innovations to tackle invasive species or leading landmark land acquisitions, she approaches conservation with such a unique combination of pragmatism and optimism. “We draw a line in the sand and declare, ‘This patch is too important to lose,’” she says, embodying Bush Heritage Australia’s ethos of Healthy Country, Protected Forever. At a time when the stakes for our planet have never been this high, Rachel Lowry’s leadership shines as an inspiration for those determined to protect what remains – and restore what’s been lost.

Can you share a bit about your background and journey thus far? What initially drew you to this field, and what are some of the highlights of your work so far?

Rachel Lowry: I was the “animal-loving” kid who climbed trees to check on bird nests, caught tadpoles to watch them metamorphose, and spent as many waking hours as I could outdoors. That love for animals, over time and with the hours spent outside, grew into a broader love for nature. My aspirations shifted from wanting to be a veterinarian to pursuing a career as a zoologist.

While studying Zoology and Environmental Science at the University of Melbourne, I began to understand the scale of nature loss. A desire to reduce threats and protect what was simply too precious to destroy led me toward a career in the conservation sector.

When it comes to highlights, I am fortunate to have many, but I’ll distill it down to my top three career-impact moments:

Preventing Extinction

During my time as Director of Wildlife Conservation and Science at Zoos Victoria, I led the development of a $20M+ Fighting Extinction Strategy that helped prevent the extinction of several species. One unforgettable moment was reintroducing Eastern Barred Bandicoots into the unfenced wild in Victoria. It’s not every day you help bring a species back from the brink of extinction.

Net-Free Reef Campaign

As Chief Conservation Officer at WWF-Australia, we secured a commitment to phase out the use of commercial gill nets across the Great Barrier Reef. This achievement, which took years of collaboration, ensures Dugongs, whales, turtles, and other threatened marine species can swim freely. It also benefits eco-tourism and the broader Queensland economy—a win for nature and people alike.

Creating Habitat Corridors

As CEO of Bush Heritage Australia, I’ll never forget the acquisition of Dodgey Downs. Thanks to the donations of over 4,000 Australians, we purchased 762 hectares to create a 4,000-hectare habitat corridor in the Fitz Stirling Ranges of WA, one of Australia’s two globally recognized biodiversity hotspots. This corridor provides vital habitat for species like Honey Possums, Mallee Fowl, and Tammar Wallabies. 

We draw a line in the sand and declare, ‘This patch is too important to lose.

Bush Heritage Australia focuses on securing the protection of healthy country forever. What does this vision mean to you, and how do you inspire collective action to achieve it?

Rachel Lowry: This vision acknowledges that some parts of our natural world are simply too precious to lose, and once lost, they are gone forever, particularly vulnerable ecosystems under-represented in our national conservation reserve system.

Our vision flips the reality of nature’s loss and destruction by using science to identify which patches of healthy country are most in need of protection. We draw a line in the sand and declare, “This patch is too important to lose.” Once identified, we call on nature-lovers and the “Bushie family” to help purchase or partner to protect these habitats.

This simple, powerful vision is backed by a proven theory of change. For Australia, it’s a pathway that I believe needs to be turbocharged.

With your extensive background in conservation, what are the most effective strategies you’ve seen for protecting biodiversity and restoring ecosystems?

Rachel Lowry: If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there’s no magic bullet for conservation. The challenges driving biodiversity loss often overlap with climate change and social injustice, requiring a diverse toolkit to address.

One of the most effective strategies is protecting and managing healthy ecosystems before they degrade. Strategies informed by science, aligned with traditional custodians, and supported by communities are the most impactful.

The origin story of Bush Heritage exemplifies this: Bob Brown’s vision to protect the Liffey Valley in Tasmania 34 years ago not only safeguarded that area but also led to the protection of 1.4 million hectares of healthy country. It’s this scale of impact that keeps me motivated, even on tough days.

You’ve developed award-winning programs tackling conservation issues. Can you share one program that’s particularly close to your heart and its impact on sustainability and biodiversity?

Rachel Lowry: One program particularly close to my heart is the Don’t Palm Us Off campaign, which I led at Zoos Victoria. This campaign highlighted the destruction caused by the palm oil industry in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia and mobilized global consumers to demand mandatory labeling of palm oil in food products.

Within a few years, Australia’s top six food manufacturers agreed to label palm oil and switched to more sustainable options. The campaign’s success spread internationally, influencing legislation in the EU and aiding species like the Orangutan and Sumatran Tiger. It also showcased the power of zoos worldwide to mobilize communities for conservation.

It’s moments like this – when people unite behind a shared vision and take action—that give me hope for a sustainable future where nature and humanity can thrive together.

When thinking about scalable solutions for nature and climate impact, what role do you believe technology and data play? Could you share examples where technology has amplified the impact of sustainability efforts?

Rachel Lowry: Technology and data play an increasingly vital role in conservation, both in driving impact and increasing resource efficiency. For instance, Australia’s top scientists believe that investing 1% of the federal budget in nature conservation could halt the decline of threatened species by 2030—a vision that would rely heavily on technological innovation.

Currently, I’m excited about using Artificial Intelligence to manage invasive species like cats. Bush Heritage recently received a government grant to test an AI-driven image recognition and trap trigger system. This humane approach minimizes the accidental trapping of native species. Real-time data from the system will also inform the use of cat deterrent audio to create virtual fences.

As we reflect on the progress and challenges of this past year, what is one moment, achievement, or insight that gives you the most hope for a sustainable, net-zero, and nature-positive future?

Rachel Lowry: I am currently experiencing one of my favorite moments of 2024. A parcel of land within the Murray Darling Basin—one of the least disturbed areas—has been offered to Bush Heritage for purchase.

This land, sitting on Budjiti Country (Northwest of Bourke, NSW), could strengthen a vital habitat corridor and protect freshwater systems that are often overlooked. Thanks to public support, we are halfway toward raising the $2.6 million needed to secure this property.

The property’s name, Nil Desperandum (Latin for “nothing is to be despaired of”), is a reminder of what can be achieved when people unite behind a vision for healthy country protected forever. It’s moments like this that give me hope for a sustainable future.

Read this story and more features in the January 2025 issue of Impact Leadership – a digital magazine for leaders inspiring sustainability, net zero and impact. Access all magazines here.