As we end the year, the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability is highlighting the Biodiversity chapter of the SoE 2018 Report that includes detailed information on the health of Victoria’s animal and plant life. The SoE 2018 Report revealed biodiversity decline as one of the most pressing issues for Victoria’s environment, finding that of 35 biodiversity indicators assessed, three quarters are either deteriorating or the trend is unknown.
Recognising that Victorian scientists are world class, Commissioner Dr Gillian Sparkes recommends the creation of a Chief Biodiversity Scientist for Victoria. A leading Science Practitioner accountable for improving the impact of Victoria’s biodiversity science program by better curating, coordinating and tailoring the Victorian Government’s collective, biodiversity science and research investment - across multiple sectors and portfolios - at a statewide level and supporting the implementation of Victoria’s landmark Biodiversity 2037 Plan.
The analysis of biodiversity in the SoE 2018 is consistent with global trends and research including the UN’s April 2019 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report that confirms more than one million species globally are threatened with extinction. The IPBES report calls for “transformative changes” required to protect nature, echoing the Commissioner’s call for new approaches and dedicated leadership to fast-track the implementation of biodiversity policy and responses in the State. For more information on the 2018 SoE visit https://lnkd.in/ghk9ZyU.
To learn more about the assessment of Biodiversity in Victoria, check out the following:
A complete Biodiversity Indicator Report Card Assessment summarises the findings.
Biodiversity Indicator Report Card example.pdf
The Biodiversity chapter provides an in depth scientific assessment.
The Commissioner's Biodiversity Recommendations.