The ERIK Project Team is excited to share that we’ve had a fantastic response to our invitation for ecological restoration practitioners to join Expert Panels for specific vegetation types.

As a first priority, panel members have assessed 25 resources using the online assessment form. Assessors are reviewing the quality of each resource, identifying where improvements are needed, and noting any caveats that should accompany resources before they are uploaded to the ERIK Platform.

New resources are also being developed for the platform, building on the Society for Ecological Restoration Standards. The assessment results are already contributing to AABR’s collaboration with the Science Branch of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, helping to identify knowledge gaps and future research needs.

ERIK findings are also informing AABR’s input into the NSW Government’s new Nature Strategy / Plan for Nature, which will set the direction for achieving nature positive outcomes through repairing and regenerating the environment.

As the project moves forward, AABR will support Expert Panel members to build long-term working relationships and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.

The invitation to join an Expert Panel remains open. Members can opt in and out of activities as they wish, and can begin by assessing one or more favourite resources for the vegetation types that interest them most.

To join a panel and contribute to this inspiring initiative, please contact Sandy Eager, ERIK Co-ordinator, at projects@aabr.org.au.