What does it take to deliver impactful habitat restoration over time? Three local Australian groups show how it’s done
James Cook University expert Nigel Tucker looks at three local Australian habitat restoration groups who have not only delivered impactful work to restore damaged and critical habitats but who have managed to stand the test of time with lessons for others.
Tucker writes that he has come across many effective local habitat restoration organisations but three of the most effective he’s seen are the Lockyer Uplands Catchments Inc. (LUCI), which began in 2015, the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy founded in 1993 and Trees for the Evelyn and Atherton Tablelands Inc. (TREAT) founded in 1982. Each of these groups has gone the distance, despite taking different approaches, and overcame the challenges of volunteer group fragmentation. Here are some reasons why.
Firstly, all of these groups have leaders committed to a long-term cause, usually scientists or naturalists as well as locals with knowledge and drive. Leaders have to be able to work with governments and group members of all persuasions.
Secondly, these groups are guided by science. Tucker says groups need up-to-date information on local plants, animals and habitats to make sure on-groundwork has direct conservation benefits.
Thirdly, all of the successful groups have networking skills. Harnessing the technical expertise of other groups, government and experts in project planning, execution and monitoring is vital.
Read about the successful work of these groups to restore habitats across Australia in the full Conversation article.
