Australia has pledged to restore nature. But could we ever bring back lost ecosystems?
From oyster reefs to bandicoot grasslands, many Australian ecosystems no longer exist. Restoring nature is a good goal – but we cannot return to the past.
Australia has recently committed to restoring nature, but the question remains: can we truly bring back lost ecosystems? For many unique Australian species, including mammals, birds, and insects, the current state of affairs is concerning. The loss of entire ecosystems and the decline of iconic species, such as the regent honeyeater and oyster reefs, highlight the urgent need for action.
However, the pledged restoration goals lack clear definitions and success metrics. "Restoring nature" is a complex task, as many ecosystems today differ significantly from those before European colonization. The concept of "shifting baseline syndrome" points to the challenge of determining what constitutes a healthy environment.
While some species have been lost forever, historical evidence suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stewardship once maintained biodiversity. Today, reconstructing lost ecosystems offers valuable reference points, but it's essential to acknowledge that we cannot recreate the past. Instead, the focus should be on creating biodiverse, functional ecosystems.
Restoration efforts must consider cultural burning, invasive species management, vegetation replanting, water management, and habitat connectivity. The Gondwana Link project in Western Australia exemplifies a successful large-scale restoration effort. However, the protection of critical areas, even if they cannot be restored to their original state, is crucial.
Policymakers must confront the challenge of balancing restoration with land use demands and make tough decisions to safeguard Australia's disappearing ecosystems.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.