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Marrying Natural, Social Sciences across an Ancient Region
Operating in one of the United Nation’s 25 biodiversity hot spots for conservation, Curtin University in Western Australia is marrying the natural sciences with the social sciences to focus on sustainability issues in a region facing significant changes and challenges.
The south coast region of Western Australia has a unique geography, diversity, and richness in its ancient environments that offer a rare opportunity for sustainability research. Existing nickel and gold mining, proposed iron ore mining, agriculture, rapid population growth due to heightened interest in coastal living, and the impacts of climate change are further stressing an environment already under threat.
“This part of Australia has insects and flora that are literally ancient,” said Dr. Daniela Stehlik, professor at Curtin University and the inaugural director of the school’s Alcoa Research Centre for Stronger Communities. “Worldwide, people are watching to see how well Australia does to ensure it doesn’t endanger any more of this area’s species.”
Research conducted under the Alcoa Foundation Conservation & Sustainability Fellowship Program will focus on a portion of this area called Gondwana. Reflecting the priority for this research, Curtin has contributed AU$400,000 on top of the funding received from Alcoa Foundation.
“We believe that by defining a specific and unique geographic region for our research and working with the communities within this area, we can measure what kind of impact we will have,” said Professor Stehlik. “Both of our initial research fellows are testing some cutting-edge ideas on how to get local people involved in decisions about a sustainable future.”
The fellowship program is opening up new opportunities for the university, crossing traditional discipline lines, and forming productive connections with other organizations and international fellows in the program.
“Traditionally, we have looked at sustainability issues from an environmental viewpoint and have tended to ignore the human beings in that landscape as well,” said Professor Stehlik. “This program has given us the opportunity to practice what we preach, which is to work across disciplines to solve sustainability issues. It’s also given us an international profile that normally takes researchers a long time to establish.”
She adds, “We’re excited to have a micro environment in which to explore new ideas about conservation and sustainability alongside the people and communities in the region, and this local knowledge will contribute significantly to the global debate. The Conservation & Sustainability Fellowship Program is helping give us a voice on the international stage.”
Here is more information about Curtin University, and its role in Alcoa Foundation's Conservation & Sustainability Fellowship Program.
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