On Sunday 5 June, World Environment Day, leaders from government, industry, community and academia came together for a discussion in the Victorian Legislative Council, on protecting and reclaiming Victoria's biodiversity for future generations at the Parliament of Victoria. Arresting threatened species decline was a key topic.

The Victorian Parliament presented the conversation in partnership with The Royal Society of Victoria and Victorian Parliamentarians for STEM, and live-streamed the event.

The public were invited to join the live stream and participate in a panel discussion how a whole-of-society approach can support biodiversity outcomes in Victoria. The question posed to leaders was “How can we align our efforts to gain the best outcomes from available resources?”.

The esteemed panellists included:

  • Ms Judith Downes, Chair, Bank Australia
  • Professor Brendan Wintle, Conservation Ecologist and previously Director, Threatened Species Recovery Hub
  • Mr Damein Bell, Atlantic Fellow and previously CEO, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
  • Ms Fern Hames, Director, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning)

View the event recording to hear the diverse and rich reflections of this highly respected panel on how a whole society approach to conservation can protect can enhance biodiversity here in Victoria, and hear how First Nations People, industry and academia can work together to deliver genuine outcomes.

“What a wonderful panel discussion and great opportunity on World Environment Day to hold such important conversations with leaders across sectors, all Fellows of The Royal Society of Victoria, in this remarkable venue and continue exploring biodiversity conservation and recovery. From the connections between Victoria’s cultural landscape management, to the impact of feral animals and the importance of investment in science, including spatial data platforms”.
Dr Gillian Sparkes AM Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability

The Commissioner’s Science for Sustainable Development framework document was informed by Damein Bell’s knowledge of cultural landscapes and connection to Victoria's Budj Bim National Park and World Heritage Cultural Site.

 

World Environment Day event links