Landscape Restoration Experiences

Our Projects

Supporting Ecosystem Restoration

Landscape Restoration Experiences

The Landscape Restoration Experiences project is a major initiative under the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub that aims to reverse biodiversity decline by improving the effectiveness of Australia’s ecosystem restoration investments. Running from 2024 to 2027, the project examines the social and ecological factors such as restoration practices, landholder characteristics, and social contexts, that drive successful outcomes. By evaluating past and present programs through stakeholder engagement and technical audits, the research team provides evidence-based recommendations to strengthen participation and improve how biodiversity changes are measured. Ultimately, the project seeks to build regional capacity and inform national environmental standards to ensure that restoration efforts deliver a meaningful and lasting return for the environment.

About this project

This project aims to improve outcomes for biodiversity from restoration programs in Australia through a greater understanding of key social and ecological factors that contribute to the success of ecosystem restoration. This will be achieved through a series of undertakings, including stakeholder engagement and interviews, an examination of existing restoration monitoring and an analysis of ecological, restoration practice and socio-economic data. This project is funded by the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) and includes partnerships and collaborations across multiple Universities, government and non-government organisations.

Our approach

We will use semi-structured interviews with landholders, land-managers and other key stakeholder groups to explore key factors that shape decisions around beginning, continuing or avoiding key activities throughout the life-cycle of a restoration program. We will also interview a range of experts, including practitioners and policy-makers, to understand key challenges for ecosystem restoration in the face of climate change, with a particular focus on monitoring and evaluation methods to inform an adaptive management approach.

Goals/key achievements

Goals/achievements

  • To provide best-practice recommendations and capacity-building measures to improve restoration investments across diverse social and geographical contexts
  • To improve monitoring/evaluation methods of restoration programs and provide evidence-driven guidance on which ecological, economic and social measures best measure success
  • To support knowledge transfer to maximise biodiversity outcomes
  • To strengthen participation in restoration programs.

Status

Ongoing.

This project will continue until September, 2027. Key next steps include conducting semi-structured interviews) with key stakeholders in the first half of 2026. Outputs will include peer-reviewed research papers and a final report delivered to project partners.

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.