Transition to an ecologically sustainable landscape – a methodology

This thesis explores the value to ecosystem restoration of having detailed maps of original native vegetation before land clearing began, as is the case in South Australia. Coupled with a national commitment to the ‘30-30’ target of COP-15 in 2022, in which nations undertook to dedicate 30% of their landscape to ecosystem protection to prevent local species extinction, the thesis uses the maps to guide restoration strategy at the scale of Local Government Area. With some areas today having as little as 4% of native vegetation remaining, several additional criteria were applied to arrive at 30% restoration of the main ecosystem types and their distribution in the landscape. Climate change constraints are discussed, as well economic and political challenges, noting that a timeframe as long as 100 years may be required for a return to ecologically sustainable landscapes.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of South Australia

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Martin, Peter

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hopeward, James

• Ecologically sustainable landscapes
• Long-term ecological restoration at landscape scale
• Policy development for extensive land use change

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2440/150899

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digital.library.adelaide.edu.au:2440/150899