Ecosystem risk assessment. This project aims to develop a type-based framework for the world's ecosystems, and undertake the first broad-scale global risk assessment for ecosystems. It will include detailed Australian risk assessments and scenario analyses to develop sustainable management of ecosystem services and climate adaptation strategies. The outcomes include a global-scale framework for classifying terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, the first global Red List of Ecosystems and ....Ecosystem risk assessment. This project aims to develop a type-based framework for the world's ecosystems, and undertake the first broad-scale global risk assessment for ecosystems. It will include detailed Australian risk assessments and scenario analyses to develop sustainable management of ecosystem services and climate adaptation strategies. The outcomes include a global-scale framework for classifying terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, the first global Red List of Ecosystems and identified priorities for protecting remaining wild ecosystems and restoring those that have suffered degradation. This will help meet UN Sustainable Development Goals to improve human well-being globally.Read moreRead less
Predicting the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. The ecological sustainability of Australian agriculture relies on services (for example, pollination) provided by ecosystems. Service provision is threatened by environmental change, but there is no established approach for predicting the impact of change on services. This project will undertake the most comprehensive experimental examination of ecosystem-service delivery ever conducted in Australia, testing the predictive ....Predicting the delivery of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. The ecological sustainability of Australian agriculture relies on services (for example, pollination) provided by ecosystems. Service provision is threatened by environmental change, but there is no established approach for predicting the impact of change on services. This project will undertake the most comprehensive experimental examination of ecosystem-service delivery ever conducted in Australia, testing the predictive capacity of an approach that links environmental change with variation in service provision through species’ traits. The major outcomes include greater capacity for agriculturalists to maximise ecosystem benefits and increase economic returns, and improved biodiversity conservation through recognition of its contribution to agriculture. Read moreRead less
The effect of aerial spraying of two pesticides on semi-arid grasslands. The project will investigate how two pesticides, fipronil and metarrhizium, used to control locusts, affect semi-arid ecosystems by examining impacts on invertebrates, their predators, lizards and soil processes. The effects will be followed through time in a large scale experiment to determine recovery and compare each pesticide.
Upland swamps and chains-of-ponds as unique and rare Australian river types: understanding their function to improve conservation and rehabilitation. Upland swamps and chains-of-ponds are nationally listed endangered ecosystems. They regulate water supply and quality in catchments. This project will deliver science on the physical and ecological function of these systems so conservation and rehabilitation initiatives within catchment action plans are effectively designed and implemented.
Environmentally-friendly strategies for shoreline protection in lakes. Most current approaches to shoreline protection involve the use of ecologically damaging hard structures. Nature-based alternatives are increasingly adopted, but often without scientific evidence that they are environmentally-friendly. With rising sea-levels, the need for coastal protection will increase, so it is essential that we develop ecologically sustainable approaches to shoreline protection. The aim of this study is ....Environmentally-friendly strategies for shoreline protection in lakes. Most current approaches to shoreline protection involve the use of ecologically damaging hard structures. Nature-based alternatives are increasingly adopted, but often without scientific evidence that they are environmentally-friendly. With rising sea-levels, the need for coastal protection will increase, so it is essential that we develop ecologically sustainable approaches to shoreline protection. The aim of this study is to assess changes to biodiversity and ecosystem functions associated with different protection strategies. The research outcomes will be an understanding of the broad ecological impacts from these approaches and will provide the basis for ecologically sustainable shoreline protection in coastal lakes and lagoons.Read moreRead less