DETSI Recovery Teams Project

Our Projects

Participation and Collaboration

DETSI Recovery Teams Project

The Threatened Species Recovery Teams project examines how experts from various sectors collaborate with the government to protect Queensland’s most vulnerable species. By applying a collaborative governance framework, the project identifies strategies to strengthen these partnerships and improve conservation outcomes for threatened wildlife.

About this project

This project explores the unique volunteer-led model of recovery teams, where diverse stakeholders, including researchers, community groups, and government agencies, tackle complex conservation challenges. It addresses the need for effective multi-sector collaboration to solve “wicked problems” in species recovery. The research focuses on identifying the specific organisational and interpersonal factors that enable these teams to function as vital experts within the broader conservation system.

Our approach

Researchers from the University of Queensland and the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation applied the Ansell and Gash (2008) collaborative governance framework to evaluate recovery team performance. The approach included examining the history of collaboration, levels of trust, and the commitment of team members to shared goals. This theoretical lens allowed the team to pinpoint opportunities for more coordinated and supportive governance structures.

Goals/key achievements

Key outcomes identified were:
  • Framework Application: Successfully used collaborative governance theory to diagnose strengths and weaknesses across diverse recovery teams.
  • Collaboration Strategy: Identified key “ingredients” for success, such as face-to-face dialogue, trust-building activities, and shared understandings of conservation issues.
  • Policy Recommendations: Developed a set of strategic recommendations to improve how the government supports and recognises the expertise of volunteer teams.The program is showing signs of improving place-based community engagement to strengthen outcomes for the Reef.
  • Strategic Planning: Encouraged the use of formalised theories of change to help teams be more strategic and results-oriented in their activities.

Status

Completed (2025).
The research and recommendation phase was completed in July 2025. The project team is currently working with the Department to explore how these findings can inform long-term changes to the management and support of threatened species recovery teams in Queensland.

Project Partners

Understanding People and Nature

Research That Makes a Difference

We explore how people connect with the environment from urban green spaces to ocean reefs, and develop strategies to promote conservation stewardship and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Through citizen science, community partnerships, and innovative communication strategies, we’re working to strengthen the connections between people and nature for lasting conservation impact.