At present, Australia has only one approved method for coastal wetland restoration under the Commonwealth ACCU Scheme in Australia, . The method,  – called the “Tidal Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems’, allows landholders to earn Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) from the reinstatement of tidal flow on coastal areas where bund walls and tidal restriction mechanisms had been installed.  Although there is scope for many Australian landholders to undertake these types of projects, the method uptake has been slow for various social and technical reasons.

As part of this work, we are also exploring the exclusion of non-native hard-hoofed animals, also known as ungulates, as a blue carbon method under the Commonwealth ACCU Scheme. In this case, landholders will be able to earn carbon credits by excluding non-native hard-hoofed animals from wetland areas on their properties.

Through our survey, we will gauge landholders’ readiness to engage in coastal wetland restoration on their properties. In particular, we seek to pinpoint barriers, risks, and challenges hindering the implementation of blue carbon projects. By doing so, our goal is to develop effective tools and support mechanisms to overcome these obstacles, thereby facilitating the expansion of restoration efforts across Australia.

We invite all coastal landholders, particularly those with coastal wetlands on their properties to share your views and thoughts. Our survey takes less than 20 minutes to complete and your input can help shape the future of restoration in Australia.