The Biodiversity Conference 2023 saw around 650 attendees and speakers gather to discuss the future of biodiversity and hear from Traditional Landowners about the importance of caring for Country.
‘Listen to Country’ was the theme for the event and more than 35 First Nations presenters were in attendance to share their knowledge with industry bodies and other stakeholders.
Over the course of three days, attendees took part in talks about collaborative conservation work, witnessed technological advancements in the space and celebrated papers and posters submitted by students, stakeholders and academics.
PhD candidate Jack Ingelbrecht and graduate researcher Christopher O’Brien were also highly commended in the marine awards category.
Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Insitute (HBI) played a large role in both the conference’s inception and facilitation, with HBI’s Pro Vice Chancellor Simon McKirdy collaborating with botanical ecologist Professor Stephen Van Leeuwen to shape it into the success it is today.
HBI’s Director of Operations André deSouza said the Biodiversity Conference was a “great example” of the institute’s focal points being brought to life.
We’re bringing together First Nations peoples and community, industry and the regulator to share best practice in environmental conservation and showcase great case studies of how this is currently happening...,"
- André deSouza
Mr deSouza said the conference helped to encourage and inspire attendees to “build their own version of best practice and educate the community on what is possible”.
Also a feature of the week was a premiere screening of the film Mammung, which tells the story of Western Australia 10,000 years ago, when rapid rising sea levels forced the Indigenous population to adapt to the loss of almost 30 per cent of their land.
The screening was shown to a packed-out audience at the Octagon Theatre.
HBI Associate Professor Rachel Standish chaired the conference, and HBI Project Lead Susan Marie managed the event, alongside several institute coworkers who contributed to its success.
Image: Associate Professor Rachel Standish. By Viewfinder Photography.
Ms Marie said it had been an eye-opening and informative event enriched with valuable advice and information.
First Nations peoples generously shared stories on how they have been caring for Country for generations, how collaboration across Indigenous and western scientific knowledge is the only way to go forward."
- Susan Marie
“They inspired and encouraged us to build our own version of best practice and how to listen to Country.”
Professor Standish said she had received "lots of positive feedback from the delegates" after the event, which felt like "a warm hug of appreciation".
BHP Foundation, Business Events Perth and Rio Tinto contributed significant funds to support costs covering travel accommodation and registration for event speakers.
Next year’s conference will take place in 2025.
Header image: Lena Long and Caroline Long (Birriliburu Rangers). By Viewfinder Photography.