As climate change increasingly threatens Australia’s endangered alpine peatlands, it’s important to reflect on the progress made over the past decades. Not long ago, cattle grazed freely across these sensitive ecosystems, and there was little to no investment in their protection. Today, thanks to sustained efforts, many of these peatlands have recovered to excellent condition, offering a strong foundation for building climate resilience.
North East CMA, in collaboration with partners, is collecting a wide range of data to better understand which peatlands are most likely to withstand the pressures of a changing climate. This includes supporting First Nations groups to investigate and build on previous cultural knowledge. By identifying patterns in condition and disturbance recovery pathways, we can tailor management to meet the specific needs of each site. We can now allocate resources with greater confidence, ensuring that funding is directed where it will deliver the greatest benefit.
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Authors:
Helen Wilson
Jess Houghton
