As the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfire-ravaged parts of Australia are still recovering from summer blazes which destroyed lives and homes, and devastated our unique ecosystems and wildlife species.
One of Science & Technology Australia's member societies is leading crucial work to help our native ecosystems recover from the bushfire crisis.
The Ecological Society of Australia's is funding on-ground reconstruction, supports research projects, makes experts available where needed, and works with Government on policy solutions.
It's biggest piece of work has been establishing the Ecosystem Recovery Fund to collect donations and offers of scientific expertise, data and equipment to support ecosystem restoration.
ESA President Dr Bek Christensen said the organisation had received 75 offers of expertise, equipment, volunteer hours and data so far.
"The response has been absolutely amazing, and it really showed in the direct aftermath of the fires just how keen people were to get in and help in any way they could," Dr Christensen said.
"We've also been coordinating with other scientific societies to share requests and information. It's been really wonderful to have this coordinated team approach from across our sector."
The organisation also launched an online form for people and communities to seek assistance.
"For some people this has been a simple query, such as what might make good supplementary feed for Glossy Black Cockatoos."
"At the other end of the spectrum, people are setting up longer term monitoring and recovery programs and we were able to provide them with either funds, equipment or expert knowledge that they needed to make that happen."
