WHY IT MATTERS

Over the last 50 years, the human population has more than doubled and is expected to increase by approximately 2 billion in the next 30 years. Consequently the demand on our planet for food, energy, clean water and raw materials is becoming significantly high. Different ecosystems provide us with these essential services and it’s critical to maintain each of them if society is to continue existing as we know it.

But our global ecosystems are in decline, with 75% of land surfaces already significantly altered, 66% of the ocean area experiencing increasing cumulative damaging impacts, and over 85% of wetlands (area) have been lost.

For terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, land-use change has been a key driver for degradation. Biodiversity loss is compounding the impact. Biological diversity plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystems and the more species we lose, the less chance we have of restoring these landscapes.

Our programs build awareness and evidence of the interconnectedness between biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services, and the value nature provides to sustaining our livelihoods.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

Bush Blitz

Over 75% of Australia’s biodiversity is still unknown to science. Given the significant role it plays in enabling healthy functioning ecosystems, it is critical we fill this knowledge gap. Working in partnership with BHP and the Australian Government, we are undertaking the largest nationwide biodiversity study. Working closely with land managers, we translate this information into on-ground action, improving our ability to manage and preserve its iconic landscapes.

CASE STUDY

Ecosystems of the Murray River and Mallee

Calperum Station, a transformed pastoral region, has been undergoing substantial social, economic and environmental change over the past 100 years. The station provides an excellent opportunity to study ways in which to best manage changes in semi-arid and arid systems. Working with Australian Landscape Trust, teams from corporate, student and teacher backgrounds partake in research focused on carbon, water and biodiversity responses to the changing land use.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Participate in an expedition
• Include into your curriculum
• Engage your staff
• Partner with us
• Donate to research