I recently heard a National Parks researcher describe climate change as a bowling ball. “We know (impacts) are likely, but we don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like.” The analogy really resonated. For land managers and conservation managers this is the vexed challenge they need to grapple with. What do they plan for? Which species are most at risk? Are some unsavable? How do we keep people healthy and maintain our livelihoods while halting and reversing nature loss? The last of these questions is at the heart of the ‘nature positive plan’ adopted by the Australian Government last year.
Australia has over 14,000 protected areas. Land and sea managers along with many local councils, Traditional Owners and private landowners, are looking to build the resilience of nature and preserve biodiversity. Meeting NRM CEOs late last year, I learned about arid region teams that are already responding to climate extremes on a day-to-day basis.
The hub’s Climate Adaptation Initiative is fostering work and developing a research program to support these decision makers. In addition to our existing project focused on climate-effective management of natural systems. The hub is delighted to announce the funding of 3 new projects focused on adaptation for natural systems.
The first of these builds on the successful Indigenous-led climate action plan for the K’gari World Heritage area. We are partnering with Parks Australia and the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation to continue building and supporting adaptation planning for World Heritage areas.
The second project continues investment in our synthesis and communication work. More in-person climate and adaptation literacy training will be delivered, as well as the publication of on-line training. We are continuing to work with partners to develop a concept for a single gateway to the wealth of climate information and adaptation guidance relevant to Australia’s environmental decision-making.
Finally, coordinating across the NESP program, the Climate Systems Hub’s third new project is building a knowledge and adaptation guidance platform – Adapt Land&Sea. This platform will assist biodiversity managers to step through development of adaptation plans, understand climate risks and access information on biodiversity adaptation options or interventions.
The NESP program plays such a vital role in delivering evidence for the design, delivery and on-ground outcomes for environmental programs. The team at the Climate Systems Hub is proud to be adding these applied projects to our program of work and bolster adaptation planning and action in Australia.
NESP Climate Adaptation Initiative Leader
Read more in the latest e-newsletter.
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