The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) is a neutral, independent, non-profit organization that connects restoration industries across Australasia and through the peak international body for restoration (SER) globally.

SERA is infused with the energy of over 200 members – individuals and organizations who are actively engaged in ecologically-sensitive repair and management of ecosystems through an unusually broad array of experience, knowledge sets and cultural perspectives.

They are scientists, planners, administrators, ecological consultants, natural areas managers, growers, community activists, and volunteers, among others

Founded in 2011, SERA now boasts members in 17 countries, and provides restoration support throughout Australasia. This chapter expands the membership from the previous Australian Chapter (in operation for the preceding 12 years) to encompass all of Australasia. SERA dovetails with the other 12 SER chapters that serve the regions of Asia, North America, and Europe and their 2300 global members. The presence of the peak international body for restoration represents a milestone for Australasian industries in the region.

With SER (the parent body) recognized by public and private enterprises as the source for expertise on restoration science, practice and policy, SERA aims to further develop regional expertise and achieve its objectives through cooperation with partner organizations and the work of its Australasian membership.

MISSION

SERA does not itself engage in restoration projects; its mission supports that of SER:
"to promote ecological restoration as a means of sustaining the diversity
of life on Earth and reestablishing an ecologically healthy relationship between nature and culture."

SERA AIMS

  • Promote ecological restoration and the principles of ecological restoration as outlined in the Primer of the Society for Ecological Restoration International.
  • Promote an awareness of the need to conserve, protect, enhance and restore natural resources and promote natural ecological processes.
  • Contribute to and promote the development of policies that support ecologically sustainable land use.
  • Promote ecological restoration and the principles of ecological restoration through adherence to the international principles and aspirations of the Society for Ecological Restoration.
  • Obtain financial support for activities that will promote and ensure leading practice in ecological restoration and associated activities.
  • Facilitate two-way technological transfer between the fundamental sciences and practitioners of ecological restoration.

To that end, SERA serves the growing field of Ecological Restoration through facilitating dialogue among restorationists; encouraging research; promoting awareness of and public support for restoration and restorative management; contributing to public policy discussions; recognizing those who have made outstanding contributions to the field of restoration; and, of course, promoting ecological restoration throughout Australasia through: 

Conferences are the lifeblood of the SERA, where members can convene to exchange ideas and information, and participate in workshops, fieldtrips and other activities. SERA aims to hold biannual conferences, being held in alternate years to the international SER conference.

Website, Newsletter and eBulletin continue to evolve as important forums for communication, outreach and the exchange of vital information. The SERA website, aims to include a regularly updated Newsletter that provides the general public with an invaluable and comprehensive resource on ecological restoration and related issues within Australasia.

Links to SER allow Australasian members to access information on global restoration issues through the SER website which includes:

  • the Indigenous Peoples' Restoration Network Resource Centre and Global Restoration Network websites.
  • The quarterly Newsletter keeps members up-to-date on the good work of the Society and its chapters
  • while the weekly eBulletin - RESTORE - offers annotated links to the latest news stories from around the world.

Committees & Working Groups provide leadership opportunities within the Society and steer the following programs: Education & Training advances the field by overseeing the Training Program and initiating educational programs for the Society; Publications advances the field by producing and overseeing publications on key restoration topics; and Science & Policy promotes excellence in research and contributes to the policy dialogue on ecological restoration as a conservation tool.

  The Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia (SERA) is a neutral, independent, non-profit organization that connects restoration industries across Australasia and through the peak international body for restoration (SER) globally.