From challenge to action
Complex biodiversity challenges rarely have simple answers. Decision-makers need evidence that is relevant, timely and practical, while researchers need to understand where their expertise can make the greatest difference.
Research collaboration through the WABSI partnership connects the need for a greater understanding of biodiversity. It coordinates collaboration between end users and science to identify knowledge gaps, prioritise research and turn evidence into action-ready knowledge for Western Australia.
10+
Years of research collaboration through the WABSI partnership
From knowledge gaps to action.
Biodiversity decisions are often made in conditions of uncertainty. Land-use change, climate impacts, development, restoration, invasive species and changing water regimes can create complex questions that cross scientific disciplines, sectors and jurisdictions.
At the same time, research capacity and funding are finite. Without coordination, effort can be fragmented, knowledge gaps can persist and research may not always address the questions decision-makers most need answered.
WABSI works in the space between the issues and the research, starting with what knowledge is needed by end users.
The goal is not simply more research. It is better-connected research that produces knowledge people can use.
WABSI engages with the people making decisions about Western Australia’s terrestrial biodiversity, including government, regulators, industry, researchers and community, to understand the challenges they face and identify where better evidence could make a difference. It then brings together relevant scientific expertise to investigate those gaps, develop research priorities and establish collaborative programs.
The result is a different way of approaching biodiversity research. Rather than starting with what research can be done, WABSI starts with what knowledge is needed. This helps focus research investment, reduce duplication, connect expertise and create clearer pathways from science to decisions.
From challenge to action. Six moves to bridge knowledge gaps.
WABSI’s approach is designed to connect decision-making needs with scientific capability. It is an ongoing process rather than a linear research project, priorities evolve as new challenges emerge, evidence develops and decision-makers’ needs change.
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Listen to the issue
We work with end users to understand the biodiversity challenges, decisions and uncertainties they are facing. Ongoing engagement provides insight into current and emerging issues across government, industry, regulation, research and community. Structured consultation then explores these issues in greater depth, helping identify where critical knowledge gaps exist.
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Identify the knowledge gap
We translate complex challenges into clear research questions and priorities that can be addressed through science. Not every information gap requires new research. WABSI considers what is already known, where evidence is fragmented or inaccessible, and where new research could provide meaningful value for decision-makers.
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Bring the right expertise together
We connect end users with relevant scientific expertise across disciplines, organisations and sectors. WABSI’s research partners provide access to leading biodiversity science capability across Western Australia. Bringing different perspectives together can reveal connections between issues that might otherwise be considered separately.
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Prioritise what matters most
We work collaboratively to identify the research questions where evidence can make the greatest difference. Prioritisation helps focus limited research capacity and investment on strategic knowledge gaps. It also provides a shared direction for researchers, end users and potential investment partners.
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Develop a coordinated research program
We turn agreed priorities into targeted programs with clear objectives, research focus areas and outcomes. WABSI develops strategic programs around large or complex issues that cannot necessarily be addressed by a single project or organisation. Program governance can bring partners together to guide research, attract investment and maintain coordination.
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Translate science into useable information for decision-making
We focus on making research accessible, relevant and useful to the people who need it. Research findings are translated into tools, resources, guidance and other outputs that can support planning, policy, management, regulation, investment and on-ground action. The aim is to increase confidence and enable better-informed decisions.
Research at scale, addressing complexity.
No single organisation holds all the knowledge needed to address WA’s biodiversity challenges. WABSI provides an independent mechanism for bringing different perspectives, capabilities and resources together around shared priorities. This coordinated approach reduces duplication and makes better use of existing research capacity. It creates opportunities for new partnerships and investment, allowing research to be undertaken at a scale that matches the complexity of the problem.
Shared priorities, multiple perspectives
Complex biodiversity questions benefit from expertise spanning disciplines, sectors and knowledge systems. A common research agenda helps align effort around the questions that matter most to decision-makers.
Coordinated investment, better returns
Partnerships leverage research capability and investment to address knowledge gaps more effectively.
Accessible knowledge, stronger impact
Engaging end users from the beginning and throughout the research process increases the opportunity for research to be put to use and inform decisions and practice.
Three ways to see WABSI in action.
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Targeting knowledge gaps
End user consultation process which brings end users together to identify shared challenges.
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Research priorities
Shared, complex challenges which help identify research priorities.
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Research programs in action
Research priorities are pulled together into coordinated research programs to address issues at scale.
Ready to help turn
challenge into action?
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WA's unique biodiversity
Why the south-west is one of the richest, most distinctive places on Earth for nature.
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From challenge to action
How securing a nature positive future starts with the right research, in the right places.
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Targeting knowledge gaps
WABSI's process for identifying priorities – and why focused research matters.