The Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) is Central Australia's peak community environment organisation, working since 1980 to defend Australia's iconic arid lands. Based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs on Arrernte Country, ALEC operates across vast landscapes of profound cultural and ecological significance.
As a not-for-profit organisation and hub for the region's environment and climate movement, ALEC focuses on three core activities: place-based community engagement, government reform, and alliance building. Through campaigns, research, and passionate advocacy, ALEC has been at the centre of the region's most important wins for biodiversity, water, anti-nuclear, climate, and communities - championing ecological protection, water justice, and climate resilience issues with both regional and national impact.
OUR VISION
Healthy futures for arid lands and people.
OUR PURPOSE
To protect nature and support ecologically sustainable development in the arid lands.
OUR VALUES
New thinking, fresh ideas and creative solutions to transform livelihoods in the arid lands.
We listen deeply and we act boldly.
We cooperate, partner and collaborate to build relationships and achieve the best outcomes.
Our commitment is real and demonstrated by our actions – we walk the talk.
10 YEAR GOAL
Australia’s arid lands are biodiverse and resilient. These lands are our home and sustain a diversity of life and ecosystems.
Our goal is to protect our arid home and for ALEC to be locally and globally recognised as an enabler of sustainable living in a desert environment.
STRATEGIES
ALEC demonstrates and advocates for environmental protection and ecologically sustainable living grounded in social justice and desert wisdom.
ALEC catalyses and mobilises community action on environmental issues.
ALEC respects, works alongside and is guided by diverse communities, cultures and organisations; we are stronger when we work together.
ALEC is a resilient and dynamic organisation operating in a professional and stable framework.