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100 Years of The Koonamore Project
The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation.
How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health
Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities.
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Fighting for Cape York’s Future
Dr Ania Kotarba, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, has co-authored a recent piece for The Conversation calling for Cape York to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the ICOMOS World Heritage Nomination Bids Review Panel, Ania brings deep expertise in cultural heritage and conservation. Her research focuses on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, particularly within the Kaurareg Archipelago, and highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners in protecting Cape York’s globally significant landscapes.
Biodiversity Win: South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities.
Frances Perry Awarded as 2025 Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Winner
PhD candidate Frances Perry, with Environment Institue member, Prof Phill Cassey, has been announced as the 2025 winner of the prestigious Jill Landsberg Trust Fund scholarship!
Frances is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Adelaide and Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future. Her PhD is investigating the potential for marine invasive species to arrive in Antarctica through biofouling on vessels.
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What Do Bees and Bandicoots Have in Common?
A surprise discovery of Southern Brown Bandicoots by Dr Jasmin Packer led to the creation of Bandi Bush Care with The Bee Hub. The group works gently to restore native habitat and protect wildlife, blending science, culture, and community care in one of Adelaide’s busiest parks.
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Queensland Rejects Push for Stronger Cat Laws Despite Wildlife Impact
Professor Phill Cassey spoke to ABC Online about a recent petition in Queensland calling for stricter domestic cat ownership laws, highlighting the devastating impact free-roaming cats have on native Australian wildlife.
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Wildlife Experts Brace for the Arrival of H5N1 in Australia
Professor Wayne Boardman spoke to ABC Online about the looming threat of H5N1 bird flu, warning of its potential to devastate Australian wildlife, including vulnerable sea lion populations.
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Dr Alice Jones awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize
Dr Alice Jones,member of the Environment Institute, has been awarded the 2025 Conservation Science Prize for her leading role in advancing blue carbon conservation through collaborative, impact-driven research.
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NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers
Today, on World Environment Day, the Environment Institute is proudly launching NEST - the Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers. NEST is a new network facilitated by the 2025 Future Leaders Committee of the Environment Institute and is tailored for higher-degree and early-career researchers within the University of Adelaide.
[Read more about NEST - The Network for Emerging Sustainability Thinkers]
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