THE "hidden gem" of the North East is now an internationally–recognised conservation site, and a team of local nature enthusiasts could not be prouder of what they affectionately call their "backyard."

The Warby–Ovens National Park was last week inducted onto the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Green List, the fourth Australian inductee and first in Victoria.

Warby–Ovens National Park Advisory Group chair, Sheree McKenzie, said the honour only reinforced what her and other locals had long felt about the park.

"We certainly believe that the Warbys and the Ovens are very special and very unique to this area, a bit of a hidden gem," she said.

"Most visitors turn their attention to the Grampians or the High Country or the Great Barrier Reef, but I think we're really lucky to have this pocket of bush in our own backyard."

Working closely with Parks Victoria since their inception in late 2019, the Warby–Ovens National Park Advisory Group is made up of 14 local members with varying skills and focus areas who aim to represent community...