Landowner Perspectives on Restoration in the Wet Tropics: Barriers, Motivations and Opportunities for Participation

Abstract

Widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation have critically impacted biodiversity in Australia’s Wet Tropics, where ecological restoration increasingly relies on private landowners. This study explores landowner perspectives on revegetation in the Atherton Tablelands, a region of high conservation value and historical land clearing. Using an inductive qualitative approach, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with full-time farmers and lifestyle landowners. Participants had varying involvement in revegetation, yet most recognized environmental and agricultural co-benefits, including riparian health, erosion control and livestock welfare. Concerns persisted around reduced land-use flexibility, opportunity costs and community perceptions. Notably, even those not formally involved had undertaken tree planting, underscoring a willingness to restore under suitable conditions. Key enablers included voluntary participation, financial or logistical support and trust in program governance. Findings highlight the importance of aligning ecological objectives with landowner values and addressing socio-political barriers, contributing to more inclusive and effective restoration strategies in fragmented landscapes.