United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 15: Life on land
Maintain and extend current ecosystems' biodiversity. Work directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat.
UniSC works tirelessly to maintain our current ecosystems and their biodiversity. The work involves proactive efforts to protect and enhance the variety of plant and animal species within these environments, particularly those under threat. UniSC has several research projects that focus on habitat restoration, invasive species management, and the establishment of protected areas to safeguard critical habitats. By fostering healthy ecosystems, we ensure the resilience and sustainability of natural processes, which in turn supports human well-being. Engaging in conservation activities, such as reforestation and wildlife monitoring, this helps to preserve genetic diversity and ecosystem services, ultimately contributing to a balanced and thriving natural world.
Some recent examples of UniSC research into ecosystems and biodiversity of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat:
- The TruForest project
- UniSC was awarded a $1.7M Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) grant to deploy a network of state-of-the-art lasers to scan, measure and 3D map Australia’s rainforests. Project leader, Professor Andrew Marshall from Forest Research Institute (FRI), said the technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we measure the world.
- Enhancing biological control of invasive Eucalyptus weevils in Australia’s eucalypt plantations
- The main goals of this research were to identify and release climate-matched wasp (Anaphes nitens) populations for controlling invasive Eucalyptus weevils in Western Australia’s hardwood plantations, reducing reliance on chemical insecticides, and to engage industry stakeholders in parasitoid collection, release, and monitoring to assess the biological control program’s impact.
- Improving Queensland’s life sciences industry
- UniSC Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms, a global expert in chlamydial infections in both humans and animals, was awarded the Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award for his dedication to the ongoing success and sustainability of Queensland’s life sciences industry.
- Enabling A National Timber Circular Economy
- The Timber Circularity Project, led by Dr Penelope Mitchell, a Research Fellow in circular economy (CE) within the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life, which is part of the Forest Research Institute (FRI), is advancing SDG 15 (Life on Land) through applied research that supports sustainable forest product use and waste reduction. Central to the project is the newly launched Timber Circularity Resource Map, a national geospatial tool designed to improve end-of-life (EOL) timber management. The map identifies where timber waste is generated, its type and volume, and connects this data to circular economy solutions. This tool addresses a major barrier to timber reuse: the challenge posed by preservatives and adhesives that enhance wood's durability but complicate recycling.
- A centre dedicated to saving sick and injured marine turtles
- UniSC’s marine conservation efforts progressed with planning approval from Fraser Coast Regional Council for the proposed UniSC Milbi Centre, Sea Turtle Research and Rehabilitation in Hervey Bay. The Centre has received funding from the Queensland and Federal Governments for building refurbishment and the development of specialised turtle life support systems.
Summary
UniSC’s focus in on maintaining and extending ecosystems and their biodiversity involves protecting and enhancing plant and animal species, especially in threatened habitats, through conservation activities and habitat restoration.