University of Melbourne launches Institute to address global biodiversity loss

The University of Melbourne Launches Melbourne Biodiversity Institute

Introduction

The University of Melbourne has launched the Melbourne Biodiversity Institute (MBI), a collective of researchers, innovators, and interdisciplinary problem-solvers dedicated to addressing the global challenge of biodiversity loss.

Bringing Together Experts

MBI will bring together a diverse range of academic experts from across the University, and link expertise with governments, private institutions, and communities.

Focusing on Sustainable Solutions

It will focus on discovery research, conservation actions, policy, and education to address the drivers of biodiversity loss and develop sustainable solutions.

Understanding the Complexity of Biodiversity Loss

Institute Director Professor Brendan Wintle said solving Earth’s biodiversity crisis required an understanding of nature through research across all disciplines, as well as expertise in industry and community to understand the political barriers to enabling change.

“Biodiversity loss is far more than just an environmental problem. The causes and ramifications of global biodiversity loss have economic, legal, social, and cultural dimensions.

“Biodiversity supports everything in nature we need to survive: clean air, food, clothing, fresh water, and medicine, and long-term solutions are needed to address this existential challenge,” Professor Wintle said.

Recognizing the University’s Strength

Melbourne Biodiversity Deputy Director, Dr Rachel Morgain said the launch of MBI recognized the University’s strong position to tackle global biodiversity loss.

“The University is home to world-class researchers in biodiversity, and the Institute will unite and amplify the breadth of interdisciplinary expertise across faculties. The solutions to this global challenge lie in the connections of our expertise,” Dr Rachel Morgain said.

Collaboration with Biodiversity Council

The newest of the Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes, establishment of the MBI follows the launch of the Biodiversity Council in late 2022, a national body hosted by the University of Melbourne with 10 other university partners to provide expert advocacy for Australia’s biodiversity.

Commitment to Addressing the Biodiversity Crisis

The University of Melbourne’s Deputy Dean of Science and renowned ecologist Professor Michael McCarthy said the University has a strong track record of transformative, real-world impact when interdisciplinary problem-solving is embraced.

“Globally, we know we cannot reach net-zero and nature positive without addressing the biodiversity crisis. The Institute is our next step in harnessing our research and expertise to make long lasting change to protect our most valuable asset – our environment.

“The University is committed to the global goal of addressing the biodiversity crisis and achieving nature positive. We need to understand biodiversity in all its forms and use our knowledge and focus on solutions to support decision-making by governments, businesses, and communities,” Professor McCarthy said.

Launch Event

The Melbourne Biodiversity Institute was launched by the University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at the University of Melbourne Parkville campus.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
   • Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
   • Indicator 15.5.2: Biodiversity Intactness Index

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
   • Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

– SDG 15: Life on Land

– SDG 4: Quality Education

– SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

– Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.

– Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.

– Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index

– Indicator 15.5.2: Biodiversity Intactness Index

– Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment

– Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets of reducing biodiversity loss, promoting education for sustainable development, and enhancing global partnerships for sustainable development.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators