Leading #GenerationRestoration: Empowering natural resource management for a sustainable future

World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to nurture and protect our planet. This year's focus on land restoration and drought resilience underscores the urgency of environmental stewardship, echoing the theme "Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration."

In this article, Serena Van de Velde and Donna Robinson, Regional Liaison Officers in our Natural Resource Operations team, share their perspectives on crucial environmental issues and the transformative impact of sustainable practices. From the generational drive for land restoration to the practicalities of sustainable land management, this work is empowering landholders toward a greener, more resilient future for Queensland.

This World Environment Day the focus is on land restoration and drought resilience. ‘Our land. Our future. Why do you think we are the #generationrestoration?

Serena says ‘Growing up in a world where we can clearly see the impacts of human activity on the environment, our generation is more attuned than ever to the need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. We are incredibly aware of the importance of our actions and have a strong commitment to environmental conservation and restoration.

We are passionate about tackling the challenges of climate change, advocating for sustainable practices in our daily lives and ensuring that we protect and restore our planet for future generations. This deep-seated dedication and proactive approach are what make us #generationrestoration.’

We know that landowners in Queensland love their land. So, what is in it for them if they adopt sustainable land management practices?

‘Embracing sustainable land management practices offers a multitude of benefits for Queensland landowners. By implementing these practices, landowners have the power to significantly reduce the impacts of drought, resulting in more resilient and productive land. This leads to a more stable agricultural output, ultimately enhancing the profitability and sustainability of their operations.

Furthermore, adopting sustainable practices opens up valuable opportunities for landowners to connect, share experiences, insights, and knowledge, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. This exchange of ideas not only broadens their understanding but also creates a supportive network of individuals dedicated to preserving and enhancing their land. This collaborative approach strengthens their commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring long-term benefits for both the land and the people who care for it’ Donna says.

How does land restoration help reduce the impacts of climate change?

Serena shares that ‘land restoration and natural resource management are pivotal in reducing the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon, enhancing soil health, facilitating revegetation and fostering biodiversity. This involves a range of practices such as rehydration and maintenance of soil health, implementing strategies to mitigate weed threats, revegetating with native species, and enhancing the knowledge and skills of land managers and stakeholders in adopting effective land management practices.’

Donna adds ‘Land restoration through healthy soil and increased land cover is so important. It helps to reduce soil loss and erosion during extreme weather events, which are predicted to become more frequent due to climate change. Through practices such as revegetation of riparian areas, rotational grazing, management of soil-degrading threats, rehydration of degraded land, cultural fire practices, and addressing gully erosion, land restoration not only strengthens ecosystems but also contributes to climate resilience.’

What are some of the other benefits to be gained from healthy soil?

Donna says ‘Soil health is crucial across various facets of our community. It serves as the foundation for crucial activities such as agriculture, grazing, tourism, and recreation, while also enhancing resilience to disasters and climate risks. Healthy soils play a pivotal role in mitigating soil loss caused by erosion and other processes that lead to land degradation.  Healthy soils also contribute to improving biodiversity, which is essential for protecting native vegetation and sustaining agricultural and grazing productivity.’

Can you tell us how the Queensland Government’s Natural Resources Recovery Program (NRRP) helps landowners and organisations to focus on improving drought resilience and land condition?  

Serena says ‘NRRP places a significant emphasis on enhancing landscape resilience and its capacity to withstand natural disasters and climate change, with 'Land' being one of its primary priorities. Through this program, support is extended to various projects aimed at enhancing soil, land and vegetation condition, all of which are crucial elements in building resilience against drought conditions.

We also work to empower land managers to navigate challenges posed by environmental degradation and climate change. By promoting the adoption of sustainable land management practices, the program not only enhances landscape productivity but also facilitates the restoration of land health and the enhancement of ecosystem functions.’

You are both Regional Liaison Officers in our Natural Resources Operations team. Can you tell us what a workday looks like for you?

Serena shares, ‘Our workdays are driven by collaboration and a strong commitment to the projects we support!

Our primary responsibility involves facilitating communication with program recipient organisations to provide support and provide assistance throughout the lifecycle of their projects. This involves assisting with reporting requirements, coordinating field and desktop audits, and addressing any challenges that may arise throughout the duration of the projects.

We prioritise building strong relationships with these groups through open communication, fostering collaboration for the efficient and effective delivery of their projects.

Additionally, we actively contribute to the ongoing delivery and enhancement of the program, ensuring its continuous improvement for both current and future rounds.

Donna adds ‘It is through our strong relationships that we can support grant recipients to meet the objectives of our program and more importantly deliver tangible on-ground outcomes. This involves a range of tasks such as reviewing performance reports, developing project plans, providing guidance and accountability, and advocating for a consistent approach to monitoring project impact. To truly understand the local impact of funded projects, we also make it a point to get out into the field and experience firsthand the positive changes taking place in our communities.’

What do you find most rewarding about your work and how does it contribute to building a more prosperous future for Queensland?

Serena shares that ‘collaborating with such a knowledgeable and experienced team to deliver our program is incredibly fulfilling. Our focus on sustainable land management and regional prosperity truly drives us every day. Connecting with various stakeholders and like-minded individuals allows us to synergise efforts for the betterment of both the environment and communities.

The most gratifying part is witnessing the impact of our efforts firsthand. We learn about highly effective and often simple innovations in land management, and seeing recipient organisations implement these practices, delivering tangible positive changes, is truly inspiring.’

Donna agrees, ‘The real reward lies in hearing from land managers about the positive changes they're making to our natural resources. That shift towards sustainable land management - it's truly inspiring.

With each program, I get to delve deeper into Queensland and its resources, learning something new every step of the way.

But what really drives me is when I hear these innovative ideas from land managers on how they're tackling challenges like drought. It's not just about finding solutions - it's about empowering communities through knowledge-sharing. These moments, they're what truly lay the groundwork for a brighter, more prosperous future for Queensland.’

What excites you most about being part of the next generation of Natural Resource Management professionals?

‘What really excites me about being part of the next generation of Natural Resource Management professionals is the chance to utilise my knowledge and experience to influence positive changes in our world. It's about preserving our natural resources for future generations to come. The idea of being able to play a role in that, to contribute to something bigger than myself, that's what really ignites my passion,’ Serena says.

What impact do you hope to leave on the next generation of Natural Resource Management professionals?

Donna says that ‘in guiding the next generation of Natural Resource Management professionals, my focus is on highlighting practical insights that drive significant impact. To begin with, I emphasise the importance of patience, recognising that tangible outcomes from implemented changes require time - patience is key in this field. Additionally, I highlight the importance of understanding that while landowners aspire to improve their practices, they sometimes need support to overcome the challenges they face. Acknowledging and addressing these challenges can lead to more constructive interactions, engagement and collaborations with landowners.

I also advocate for a holistic approach to natural resource management, one that encourages ongoing learning and continuous improvement of land management practices.

Through a commitment to education and embracing new knowledge, we can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for Queensland.’