This theme includes the sustainable management of processes associated with ecological land and water systems of land under human influences. The theme embraces the role of traditional cultures and protected areas. This focus aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 to develop inclusive, participatory, accountable, and transparent decision-making within institutions at all levels.
It contributes to SDGs 6, 11, 14, and 15 through reducing ecological impacts, restoring water-related ecosystems, and protecting sustainable food production, while providing safe, affordable, inclusive urban environments and communities.
Key researchers
Current projects
Sunshine Coast Biosphere
Performance Measurement Framework and Community Report
The Sunshine Coast Council is in the process of creating the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve. In this context and with the objective of transforming the region into “Australia’s most sustainable region – Healthy. Smart. Creative”, the Sunshine Coast Council has engaged the Sustainability Research Centre to provide research that:
- builds a sustainability indicator framework;
- provides a baseline measurement report; and
- delivers a reporting instrument that communicates the baseline results of the performance measurement indicators to the Sunshine Coast community.
Contact:
Dr Laura Sinay
Email: LSinay@usc.edu.au
MISTRA Environmental Communication
MISTRA Environmental Communication is a 4 year international research program (2020 -2023) funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (MISTRA). The program aims to mainstream an advanced and inclusive understanding of environmental communication in research, policy and practice in order to effectively support sustainability transformations. It draws on a transdisciplinary approach that involves researchers from diverse disciplines at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala University, Lund University, Borås University, University of the Sunshine Coast, Charles University Prague, and the University of Texas as well as a wide range of societal actors to harness existing thinking, co-develop new insights and approaches and translate these into communication practice.
The SRC at the University of the Sunshine Coast is leading the work package entitled Science and knowledge co-production within the MISTRA program. This work package aims to examine the capability of environmental communication embodied in knowledge co-production to support development, adaptation, and implementation of actions in complex and urgent situations and to enable transition towards sustainable futures. A number of cases will be explored, namely 1) Carbon farming in Australia and Sweden; 2) Bushfires in Australia and Sweden 3) Non-formal education for sustainable development in Vietnam and Sweden 4) Forestry and bio-economy in Sweden.
Contact:
Professor Neil Powell
Email: npowell@usc.edu.au
Valuing our Natural Environment
To better inform complex decisions and evaluate trade-offs involving environmental and economic policy choices, the Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with the University of the Sunshine Coast to identify an understanding of the role of natural assets and the ecosystem services they provide to our economy and wellbeing. The analysis consists of a combination of valuation methods to obtain a holistic picture of the diverse connections between businesses, residents, visitors, and the natural environment. The project seeks to:
- Develop a more comprehensive understanding of natural assets and the ecosystem functions and services they provide.
- Identify how natural assets contribute to the region’s resource dependent industries and their important role in supporting our smart economy.
- Better understand the contribution of natural assets to community health and wellbeing.
- Inform strategic decision making and support the continued need to invest in the protection, enhancement and management of the region’s natural environment.
- Ensure that local government activities related to the environment produce the best return on investment.
- Improve the way local government communicates and promotes the economic contribution of the region’s natural assets.
Contact:
Dr Graham Ashford
Email: GAshford@usc.edu.au