Australia has pledged to restore nature. But could we ever bring back lost ecosystems?

Australia pledged in 2022 to protect and restore nature, aiming to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. However, the terms are not defined, the 30% target is absent, and no method to measure success is proposed. With 2030 less than four years away, questions arise about what "restoring nature" truly means, what success would look like, and the cost involved.

The current ecosystems, shaped by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stewardship, differ significantly from those before European colonization in 1788. Many ecosystems no longer exist, and some species, like regent honeyeaters and oyster reefs, are on the brink of extinction. Shifting baseline syndrome, where each generation perceives the present level of degradation as normal, complicates assessing nature's health.

Historical records show a richer past, but recreation of lost ecosystems is not feasible due to climate change and the introduction of species that have altered ecosystems. A better goal would be to achieve biodiverse, functional ecosystems informed by past conditions and practices. Restoration requires working at a landscape scale, reintroducing cultural burning, managing invasive species, replanting and reseeding vegetation, sustainable livestock management, connecting habitat areas, and bringing back previously existing species.

The Gondwana Link in Western Australia demonstrates the importance of linking habitat fragments and controlling invasive species. Protected land has nearly doubled over the past 12 years, but most of the growth has not occurred in areas crucial for threatened and culturally significant species. The high-threat areas are often sought after for development.

Policymakers must acknowledge the tension between restoration and development. Aiming for 30% restoration targets would necessitate a substantial investment of over A$7 billion per year over 30 years, which is less than the government currently spends subsidizing activities that harm nature. Success will depend on working across private lands, public reserves, and Indigenous estates, making difficult choices about how to prioritize restoration.