Colette Mortreux

Developing an indicator of community appreciation of biodiversity https://bit.ly/4aXU6Ij. In a recent scientific study, researchers developed an indicator to measure community engagement with biodiversity in NSW. This indicator encompasses cognitive (knowledge), affective (attitudes), and behavioural (actions) dimensions. The study uncovers a paradox: while there's a strong awareness and positive sentiment towards biodiversity, this doesn't always translate into active conservation efforts. This finding is pivotal for the Landcare community in NSW, underscoring the importance of not just raising awareness but also motivating practical actions for biodiversity conservation on private lands. Some of the ways of overcoming barrier to conservation action, which we are focused on in Landcare NSW with our Partner - NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust - are as follows: Education and Awareness: Enhancing educational programs to deepen understanding of biodiversity's value and the urgency of its conservation. Community Engagement: Involving local communities in conservation projects to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Policy Incentives: Implementing policies that provide incentives for conservation actions on private lands. Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between governmental agencies, NGOs, and private landowners. Practical Conservation Tools: Providing easy-to-use tools and resources to assist in conservation efforts. Monitoring and Feedback: Establishing monitoring systems to track conservation efforts and providing feedback to encourage continual engagement. Landcare NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust NSW Government Penny Sharpe MLC

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A big part of Scion’s work is focused on protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity. One of New Zealand’s leaders in this field is Scion’s Principal Researcher Brian Richardson who was presented the Minister’s Biosecurity Award for his outstanding contributions this year. Check out this article where we reflect on his significant work and career spanning four decades and featuring domestic and internationally significant impact. It is very important to recognise bio security work and put a spotlight on it - Keeping pests and pathogens out of our production forests, native trees and gardens is vital, but usually the more successful we are the less newsworthy it is. #biodiversity #pathogens #forestry #trees #science #technology #innovation #bioeconomy #circularbioeconomy #biotechnology #manufacturing https://lnkd.in/gW92ehpM

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Recently, Centre Director Maureen Fordham and Centre Associate Kevin B. presented on behalf of the Reference Guide Team for the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR) webinar on "Gender and Sexuality in Disaster Risk Reduction" 🌟 Maureen and Kevin both shared and discussed the recently developed Reference Guide on #Gender and Sexual Minorities in #Disaster #Risk Reduction with the aim of encouraging emergency managers and disaster professionals to consider gender and sexual minorities in their work. The discussion covered: 🔎 Key themes identified in the work that has already been done. These themes include inclusion and recognition; intersectionality and diverse experiences; agency; and challenges and barriers 🔎 Gaps: missing perspectives from gender and sexual minorities of colour, geographical gaps, and non-binary gender viewpoints. 🔎 Recommendations: as academics, researchers and policy makers, we have a pivotal role to play in bridging these gaps going forward. 🔎 A call to action and collaboration! 🔗 To watch the webinar, head to: https://lnkd.in/ephkgzRS 🔗 To download the reference guide, head to https://lnkd.in/ej_asNrU A huge thanks to the whole Reference Guide Team! Jess Roberts Eshka Chuck, Olivia Walmsley and Zahra Khan.

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It is great to have this recording of an important panel discussion, 'Climate change response is essential work for feminists' at the recent Equality Rights Alliance Symposium in Melbourne moderated by Victoria McKenzie-McHarg (Women's Environmental Leadership Australia) with WCC Steering Circle member, Dr Mary Picard, PhD, Bianca McNeair (Buyungurra Nyarlu Turtle Monitoring Program) and Clare Gibellini (Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA). Speaking about the WCC, Mary says: "I think women are the connectors internationally as well as nationally and know that’s one of the things that the Women’s Climate Congress is really interested in doing – is basically mobilising women to have these fairly positive conversations at community level and with parliamentarians to develop a sustainable future. So that’s really about bringing a gender equality lens and women’s leadership and empowerment to these conversations, and I think groups like this (i.e., international women’s organisations), and the Women’s Climate Congress, are really important for cutting across because I think that government structures are inherently inflexible. So, it’s a lot of work but I think that is something that we can do." Yes - we can! #womenrising SHE Changes Climate Project Dandelion https://lnkd.in/gkfgNAQx

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The UNFCCC recently released its report on the NDC's that synthesizes information from 168 latest available nationally determined contributions communicated by 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement and recorded in the registry of nationally determined contributions as at 9 September 2024. In relation to #IndigenousPeoples, the report says that: 1. Increased Recognition in Climate Plans: In the latest adaptation components of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), 60% of Parties indicated a stronger focus on including Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate adaptation planning and implementation. This is an increase from 40% in previous submissions . 2. Legal and Consultative Approaches: 44% of Parties mentioned the use of national-level legal and consultative methods to involve Indigenous Peoples and to protect their rights, underscoring their vulnerable status, particularly regarding ecosystems and forests . 3. Integration of Traditional Knowledge: Many Parties highlighted the importance of integrating Indigenous and traditional knowledge into adaptation strategies. This integration supports both climate adaptation and the sustainable use of ecosystems . 4. Direct Involvement in NDC Preparation: Indigenous Peoples were involved in consultations for NDCs through sectoral proposals, risk assessments, and the application of traditional knowledge. This involvement ensures that their perspectives contribute directly to climate action plans . 5. Targeted Climate Support for Indigenous Peoples: • Financial and technological assistance. • Capacity-building to enhance leadership in climate initiatives. • Sustainable development and livelihood diversification. • Improved market access for Indigenous products . 6. Empowering Local Communities: Beyond Indigenous Peoples, 42% of Parties emphasized empowering local communities in adaptation efforts, focusing on capacity-building, participation in climate strategy design, and implementation of community-based adaptation measures . #NationallyDeterminedContributions #NDC #WeAreIndigenous https://lnkd.in/gqkdX93T

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With the acceleration of climate change, emergency disaster management will become increasingly important.

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Final days to register to attend the Introductory session of the Australian Evaluation Society's first 'Evaluation Lab' - led by the Design and Evaluation Special Interest Group (DESIG). What is this Lab I hear you ask? Well, let me tell you! DESIG have pondered how we can mix things up this year. We've decided that it's time for the evaluation sector to get hands on, and come up with some solutions to the different challenges we face in our work! I'm not talking about the challenges those we work with face, I'm talking EVALUATION challenges. We're going to use design to help us identify some solutions. This is not a one-off event. Rather, this session is an open invite to 'sign up' to the Lab. There are four subsequent sessions that are 'closed' and only available to those participating. You will form a 'design team' (2-5 people) - perfect for a team or group within an organisation, or sole traders to collaborate. Over the course of three or so months, you will be taken through the design process to identify solutions. Then, the pitch! This is a free event - who doesn't love some free professional development? And a chance for you to learn the detail about design thinking in a safe, and fun, space! Want a value-add? I'm only the host, the awesome Christian Duell (design facilitator extraordinaire) will present the content and activities. You don't need to be an AES member, or even an 'formal' evaluator. So if you are a 'sole' evaluator in an organisation, grab some colleagues and form a team! I should add - this is COMPETITIVE - after all, why have a pitch if we can't treat it a bit like Shark Tank? More on that end of things to come. You have nothing to lose, and free PD to gain by signing up. Give it a go, and bring a friend! I would think that certain groups could encourage some colleagues to put forward a team - what's a bit of friendly competition between evaluators? Consider the challenge made: Eleanor Williams Shani Rajendra Kristy Hornby Gerard Atkinson Kathryn Erskine Kira Duggan Josephine Norman Stephanie W. Alicia McCoy

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"Acknowledging Indigenous groups' distinct susceptibilities and including Indigenous knowledge and viewpoints in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts is crucial for effectively addressing the effects of climate change on these communities." Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee and Dr Paramita Bhattacharya, Director and Asst Director of Centre for Public Health Research - MANT, discuss the impact of #ClimateChange on #IndigenousCommunities, highlighting a community media initiative in the Purulia district of West Bengal, which aims to empower local #Indigenous people to share their voices. Read #WorldEBHCDay blog, 'Impact of climate change on Indigenous communities: Voices of tribal people'.👇 https://ow.ly/YxZj50SUpkn

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 1/2 🎉 Yes indeed, the thesis is done – It is all about Sense of Place (SoP) and Social-Ecological Systems (SES) 🌿🌍 – it isn’t up on the ANU repository yet, but if you want a copy flick me a message. Doing a thesis through compilation means that a heap of it is already published - but if you don’t have time to read 50k words, the important bits are below. 📖👇   🌏  We’re facing huge environmental changes across the globe. These changes are impacting people, places and the relationships between them. By considering SoP and recognizing the social dimensions of conservation, we can make smarter, more inclusive decisions for managing complex SESs.    🤝 To effectively consider SoP and its impact on SESs, we must be able to cross boundaries — be they between disciplines, cultures or identities. The first published paper from this research highlights the importance of positionality and reflexivity, and how researchers can navigate these complexities to foster meaningful collaboration.  📎 https://lnkd.in/gwQpRcPm   📊 The second paper I published was a literature review exploring who was measuring SoP, where they were measuring it, how and why. Lots of research is coming from the Global North and is similarly focussed in that space. This means a big piece of the puzzle is likely missing. Mixed methods were common, with surveys and interviews being prominent. Interestingly, SoP was often referenced in policy and management contexts, but evidence of it being formally applied in management and decision making was rare. 📎 https://lnkd.in/g7_YJuJA     #SenseOfPlace #ConservationAction #PhDResearch #ScienceAndPolicy #EnvironmentalManagement #Biodiversity

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Very pleased to have published this review of the state of play on measuring health co-benefits of climate change mitigation policies, with Ngan Dinh here at Menzies Institute for Medical Research and Judy Tran MHE Deakin Health Economics. We reviewed 267 studies of health co-benefits of GHG reduction interventions across different sectors globally since 2010. This literature has grown fast but the methods not so much, and there has been very little standardisation of measurement and valuation techniques.  ~50% of studies focus on China or USA. 87% focus only on health co-benefits from reducing air pollution. Most crucial: only 5% of studies included the future health benefits of reduced climate change itself – the other 95% only looked at the co-benefits! This raises the possibility that – in the desire to show quick short-term wins – the co-benefits literature has inadvertently undersold the health benefits of GHG mitigation. Not a criticism, but an essential shortcoming to be remedied in future.  Future needs include: focused global coordination on common methods and models for both health co-benefits and climate change health impacts averted; common health measures – i.e. DALYS (come on guys, just get with the global health program…), common approach to Value of a Statistical Life. A great piece of work kicked off by Judy for her Masters thesis Deakin Health Economics all the way back in 2021 – perseverance pays off! Driven to fruition by the discipline and focus of Ngan Dinh Thanks as ever to Menzies Institute for Medical Research for supporting us! 

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To work with US on climate, focus on national security and economic ‘value propositions’ https://lnkd.in/gYfzmxhH Australia must emphasise the value propositions for US investments in a climate-resilient Indo-Pacific region are based in US national security and economic interests

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Ecosystem restoration is a pivotal, nature-based approach to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Promoting #biodiversity in restoration enhances #ecosystem resilience, which is essential for maintaining #ecological balance and supporting the functionality of natural systems, thereby contributing to both environmental #sustainability and human well-being. But how can we assess the impact of our restorative actions? I’m elated to have taken part in developing a manual for assessing the progress of restoration/rehabilitation projects. Inspired by the 10 golden rules for reforestation, the manual outlines eight criteria for delivering a site-based assessment and promoting best practices. Have a look!

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Indigenous Sovereignty and Colonial Frameworks: A Comparative Analysis of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Australia. #SBLAAR24 #ACREL https://lnkd.in/dYMFgUFB

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Are you a woman who originates from or is currently living in #Fiji? Participants needed for a short online questionnaire investigating methods of tackling period poverty and promoting sustainable menstrual health practices in Fiji. We are looking for menstruating adults aged between 18-50 to take part in a study to help us understand how period poverty is effecting women currently residing in the Fijian Islands and whether increased access to sustainable menstrual health products can help to reduce period poverty whilst also helping to sure sustainable development and extended human rights for women living in Fiji. These questions will only take up to 5 minutes to complete. The questionnaire begins with four types of questions which are mandatory i.e. accepting to take part in the study, whether you are a menstruating person currently living in or originating from Fiji, your age and gender. The following questions will be straight forward with answers being ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Not Applicable’ or will give you an opportunity to write about your own answer and share your own experiences i.e. ‘On average how much do you spend per month on menstrual hygiene products?’. By taking part in this short study you will help us to better understand women’s access to sanitary products and spaces in Fiji and how increased access to sustainable products can help to tackle pollution and contribute to sustainability and improved human rights for women living in Fiji. If you would like to take part in this study, please click the link or QR code below to this questionnaire. https://lnkd.in/eAPZ2PUD

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Are you a woman who originates from or is currently living in #Fiji? Participants needed for a short online questionnaire investigating methods of tackling period poverty and promoting sustainable menstrual health practices in Fiji. We are looking for menstruating adults aged between 18-50 to take part in a study to help us understand how period poverty is effecting women currently residing in the Fijian Islands and whether increased access to sustainable menstrual health products can help to reduce period poverty whilst also helping to sure sustainable development and extended human rights for women living in Fiji. These questions will only take up to 5 minutes to complete. The questionnaire begins with four types of questions which are mandatory i.e. accepting to take part in the study, whether you are a menstruating person currently living in or originating from Fiji, your age and gender. The following questions will be straight forward with answers being ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Not Applicable’ or will give you an opportunity to write about your own answer and share your own experiences i.e. ‘On average how much do you spend per month on menstrual hygiene products?’. By taking part in this short study you will help us to better understand women’s access to sanitary products and spaces in Fiji and how increased access to sustainable products can help to tackle pollution and contribute to sustainability and improved human rights for women living in Fiji. If you would like to take part in this study, please click the link or QR code below to this questionnaire. https://lnkd.in/eAPZ2PUD

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Are you a woman who originates from or is currently living in #Fiji? Participants needed for a short online questionnaire investigating methods of tackling period poverty and promoting sustainable menstrual health practices in Fiji. We are looking for menstruating adults aged between 18-50 to take part in a study to help us understand how period poverty is effecting women currently residing in the Fijian Islands and whether increased access to sustainable menstrual health products can help to reduce period poverty whilst also helping to sure sustainable development and extended human rights for women living in Fiji. These questions will only take up to 5 minutes to complete. The questionnaire begins with four types of questions which are mandatory i.e. accepting to take part in the study, whether you are a menstruating person currently living in or originating from Fiji, your age and gender. The following questions will be straight forward with answers being ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Not Applicable’ or will give you an opportunity to write about your own answer and share your own experiences i.e. ‘On average how much do you spend per month on menstrual hygiene products?’. By taking part in this short study you will help us to better understand women’s access to sanitary products and spaces in Fiji and how increased access to sustainable products can help to tackle pollution and contribute to sustainability and improved human rights for women living in Fiji. If you would like to take part in this study, please click the link or QR code below to this questionnaire. https://lnkd.in/eAPZ2PUD

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Are you a woman who originates from or is currently living in #Fiji? Participants needed for a short online questionnaire investigating methods of tackling period poverty and promoting sustainable menstrual health practices in Fiji. We are looking for menstruating adults aged between 18-50 to take part in a study to help us understand how period poverty is effecting women currently residing in the Fijian Islands and whether increased access to sustainable menstrual health products can help to reduce period poverty whilst also helping to sure sustainable development and extended human rights for women living in Fiji. These questions will only take up to 5 minutes to complete. The questionnaire begins with four types of questions which are mandatory i.e. accepting to take part in the study, whether you are a menstruating person currently living in or originating from Fiji, your age and gender. The following questions will be straight forward with answers being ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or ‘Not Applicable’ or will give you an opportunity to write about your own answer and share your own experiences i.e. ‘On average how much do you spend per month on menstrual hygiene products?’. By taking part in this short study you will help us to better understand women’s access to sanitary products and spaces in Fiji and how increased access to sustainable products can help to tackle pollution and contribute to sustainability and improved human rights for women living in Fiji. If you would like to take part in this study, please click the link or QR code below to this questionnaire. https://lnkd.in/eAPZ2PUD

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As scientific literature authored by indigenous minds in New Zealand grows, readers must question whether new bodies of scientific thought can shift earth jurisprudence processes towards holistic goals. Josephine Watson takes us on a journey to explore how integrating Mātauranga Māori into institutional science can create capacity for Earth Jurisprudence implementation. Enjoy reading! #environmentaljustice #environmentallaw #indigenousknowledge #scientificthought https://lnkd.in/eFQwCRJf

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