Australia has long been at the forefront of nature-based management practices, particularly in relation to its rivers. The country is home to some of the most complex and dynamic river systems in the world, which have always been under threat from human activity such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization. This has resulted in a significant impact on river health and resilience, making them particularly vulnerable to floods, droughts, and other natural disasters.
However, new research has shown that progress is being made towards United Nations goals for sustainable environmental restoration in Australia. Specifically, the use of nature-based management practices in river rehabilitation is helping to build resilience and protect against the impacts of these natural events.
One of the most striking examples of this is the 120-kilometre Wollombi Brook, which flows into the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. In July 2022, the area experienced one of its biggest floods on record, yet it held up remarkably well. Professor Kirstie Fryirs of the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University notes that while there was widespread inundation, the flood waters were slower and the vegetation prevented large scale erosion and sediment movement. This was largely due to the hard work of a very active community who had been engaged in nature-based rehabilitation practices for over 20 years. Such practices included continuous streamside revegetation, which helped play a significant role in this outcome.
This is just one example of the many sustainable environmental restoration practices being implemented throughout Australia. The use of nature-based restoration practices is increasingly being recognized as a critical element in building resilience, particularly in relation to rivers. By bringing together ecological, engineering and social perspectives, nature-based management practices are contributing to more sustainable management and the protection of these vital waterways.
In conclusion, the use of nature-based management practices in Australia is making remarkable progress towards achieving United Nations goals for sustainable environmental restoration. The case of the Wollombi Brook and its extraordinary resilience is just one example of the transformative power of nature-based management practices in river restoration. By continuing to invest in such practices and building community partnerships, we can develop waterways that are resilient, functional, and more able to withstand the impacts of natural events.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 