Building biodiversity for thriving urban ecosystems – Theme: Equip
Addressing research priorities
Would you like to undertake high-impact research that really makes a difference? WABSI consults extensively with end users and stakeholders to identify priority biodiversity science knowledge needs. This helps us develop timely and relevant programs that address critical needs and have a strong pathway to adoption.
Working with WABSI, and aligning your project to address key end user priorities, will help you maximise project funding opportunities and the impact of your research. We invite you to submit a project abstract. (Please demonstrate a clear alignment with one or more priority knowledge gaps.)
Theme 4 – EQUIP
Theme 4 / Focus area 7 – DECISION-MAKING TOOLS
| OUTCOME | OBJECTIVE | KNOWLEDGE GAPS |
| End-users make decisions about enhancing biodiversity resilience based on robust and accessible scientific data and information | Devise and synthesise existing information on biodiversity enhancement, e.g. retaining/ increasing tree canopy in urban areas | How to address the lack of information on co-benefits of trees in urban areas (biodiversity, health and wellbeing, heat island effect, carbon sequestration) (Ranking: High) Research on height and root depth and spread to enable informed decision-making for tree asset management (Ranking: Medium) Develop a triage process to inform decision-making on which biodiversity elements to protect (Ranking: Medium) |
Theme 4 / Focus area 8 – VALUE OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
| OUTCOME | OBJECTIVE | KNOWLEDGE GAPS |
| Cultural and social-science knowledge is used for the management of urban green and blue spaces | Increase community awareness of the benefits of ecosystem services and a thriving urban biodiversity Include cultural values and knowledge systems in ecosystem management | How can increased community connection to and appreciation of urban ecosystems help enhance biodiversity resilience (social research on the health, economic, social and cultural values of retaining urban biodiversity) (Ranking: Medium) How to increase understanding of traditional ecological knowledge and Aboriginal values associated with environmental management (Ranking: Medium) How to raise awareness of biodiversity resilience when it comes to climate change adaptation (Ranking: Medium) What is the impact of fire regimes on the urban bushland value (Ranking: Medium) How to quantify the value/ resilience/viability of very small remnants of urban bushland (Ranking: High) |
More information: Building biodiversity in thriving urban ecosystems