World-first centre to study city's biodiversity

Wednesday, 27 November 2002

A new research centre for urban biodiversity - the first of its kind in the world - will be launched at 9am at the South Australian Museum tomorrow morning (Thursday, November 28) by Premier Mr Mike Rann and Adelaide Lord Mayor Mr Alfred Huang.

The Centre for Urban Environments (CUE) is a joint project between the University of Adelaide, Adelaide City Council, the Museum, SARDI, Royal Adelaide Zoo, Botanical Gardens and the Department of Environment and Heritage. Two departments will provide the bulk of the University's contribution to the CUE: Environmental Biology, and Environmental Studies.

The CUE will be headed by Dr Chris Daniels from the University of Adelaide's Department of Environmental Biology, who says the new centre will highlight urban Adelaide's strong connection with the environment it is located in.

"The city of Adelaide has had a unique relationship with its environment since its inception in 1836," Dr Daniels says. "The distinctive location and structure of the city, its significant natural biodiversity and high interaction between major scientific organisations gives us an opportunity, unparalleled anywhere in the world, to enhance the urban environment of the city we live in.

"The community of Adelaide has always maintained an active interest and involvement in the protection, enhancement and enrichment of its urban environment, and the CUE will build upon this tradition."

The CUE will research, advise and communicate on such issues as the parklands, introduced and native plants, the conservation and management of urban animals, paleobiology (the study of the Adelaide environment before man) and the Botanical Gardens.

"Our aim is to interact with State and local governments, industry and the community to develop strategies to enhance urban living and promote the communication and awareness of the importance of our environment," Dr Daniels says.

"The key difference between the CUE and every other similar project around the world is that we are a partnership between the major scientific institutions in Adelaide, as well as involvement from the State Government and Adelaide City Council. We will all be working together to try to achieve the conservation of Adelaide's urban ecosystems and we're looking forward to being an engaging and valuable contributor to this city's future."

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