Knowledge Strategy

We use best-practice principles and methods to understand the natural world as it is now, and to learn how we can build its resilience to withstand future threats.

Our Knowledge Strategy is how we identify research needs or ‘knowledge needs’ and work strategically with partners to help us fill these knowledge gaps. It’s guided by our values and strategic goals.

We’re a science-based conservation organisation committed to collaborating with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, academic, government and non-government partners, both on and off reserves.

Where appropriate, we incorporate our partners’ knowledge needs in our reserve plans and Knowledge Strategy.

Identifying knowledge needs

The ‘knowledge needs’ for each reserve or partnership are identified through conservation management planning, based on the Open Standard for the Practice of Conservation.

In planning, we invite the participation of Traditional Custodians, neighbours and relevant experts. The research questions address barriers to progress or explore new opportunities to improve conservation impact, reporting and long-term land management at the reserve, landscape and regional level.

National research standards

Bush Heritage staff, collaborators, affiliates and students are expected to exercise independent, thoughtful judgement and to undertake scientific research in compliance with all National, State and local legislation.

Right-way science

We recognise the sovereignty, connection to country and knowledge of Traditional Custodians across Australia and understand that our science is stronger if approached the ‘right-way’.

All of our scientists and academic partners must follow the Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research (the AIATSIS Code). Above and beyond these guidelines, we expect our science to use an approach that embodies respect, trust and sharing – a ‘Right-way approach’ – that generates richer outcomes.

Research areas

Our science principally focuses on four themed areas, each pivotal to our work, and that collectively address key conservation issues in Australia:

Guide for potential collaborators

For students

1. Read this web page and associated links to understand Bush Heritage expectations.
2. Work with your supervisor to search our Identified Knowledge Needs (below) for research questions that address your science interests.
3. Together with your supervisor, download and complete the Expression of Interest form to register your interest, then return it to [email protected] and we’ll be in contact to discuss the project and identify if there are relevant staff to support the research.

For academics

1. Read this web page and associated links to understand Bush Heritage expectations.
2. Identify a research question, to which you feel you could contribute, from our Identified Knowledge Needs document (below).
3. Download and complete the Expression of Interest form (below) and return it to [email protected] to start the conversation on how collaboration might work.