What the research found
Porter and colleagues examined a nature-based recovery project involving Zoos Victoria, the Arthur Rylah Institute and East Gippsland communities affected by Black Summer. Surveys and interviews collected in June–September 2023 explored participants’ experiences. Feedback described feelings of calm, connection and hope associated with nature and recovery activities.
What this means in everyday terms
For people whose lives are connected to local landscapes, witnessing and contributing to environmental recovery may offer a meaningful way to reconnect with place and other people.
A starting point for practice
Councils could explore locally appropriate activities with residents, environmental groups and recovery organisations. Participation should reflect people’s interests, accessibility needs and readiness to return to affected places.
What the evidence cannot tell us
The study draws on participant feedback, not a controlled trial. It cannot prove that activities caused improvements or would suit everyone. Nature-based activities should complement other support. The article appeared online in January 2025 in a journal volume labelled 2024; the fires studied occurred in 2019–20.