The permitting process for marine and coastal restoration: A barrier to achieving global restoration targets?

Abstract

To meet global restoration targets, action is needed at a large scale, and at a high level of ambition. Coastal and marine restoration may be hindered by an array of factors, including governance: in particular, the cost and time associated with obtaining permits. We interviewed a small group of restoration practitioners in Australia to further explore this permitting issue. Our study revealed a deeper problem, with the legal permitting process driving outcomes. Some proponents are turning away from the sites with the highest restoration potential, and instead choosing sites based on the ease of obtaining permits. We also found that the permitting process is only one part of the problem, and progress is also being hampered by onerous post‐approval conditions, including ongoing liability for restorative interventions. Finally, the permitting process stifles innovation and creativity as outcomes are locked‐in at the permit stage. We conclude by highlighting the urgent need to reform legal permitting processes for restoration, as current practice may put the achievement of global restoration targets at risk. It is anticipated that these findings will be of interest to restoration practitioners navigating this space, as well as policymakers.

Reversing functional extinction: successful restoration of eradicated oyster reefs

“…Many types of marine restoration in Australia must navigate a policy setting that is not fit-for-purpose for conservation, but rather intended to minimize environmental harm from coastal development/infrastructure (Shumway et al 2021). Indeed, the current governance structure for marine restorations is a major barrier to upscaling coastal and marine restoration activities, especially the time and complexity of obtaining permits (Saunders et al 2022;Bell-James et al 2023). For reef restoration in South Australia, although a clear permitting process did not previously exist, State Government decision-makers found a permitting pathway that would enable not just this restoration, but also subsequent projects led by non-government organizations.…”