The University of Western Australia will host hundreds of researchers and practitioners across Country, academia, government, industry and community who will come together to share their knowledge of Western Australian species and ecosystems.

“Combining the knowledge of Indigenous, scientific and local communities is essential to advancing our understanding of how to sustainably manage our diverse terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems.”

Associate Professor Nicki Mitchell, UWA School of Biological Sciences

The Biodiversity Conference 2023 will host 650 delegates, including around 100 Indigenous representatives from across Western Australia, from Tuesday 10 October. Attendees will attend three days of presentations and workshops at UWA’s Octagon Theatre and University Club.

The 2021 State of the Environment report found that 19 Australian ecosystems are collapsing due to climate change, habitat loss, invasive species, pollution and mining.

Organising Committee member Associate Professor Nicki Mitchell, from UWA’s School of Biological Sciences and UWA’s Ocean’s Institute, said with WA having one of the world’s highest rates of discovery of new species, and eight of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots under threat, sharing discoveries, as well as progress and failures, is an invaluable opportunity.

“Combining the knowledge of Indigenous, scientific and local communities is essential to advancing our understanding of how to sustainably manage our diverse terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems,” Associate Professor Mitchell said.

“This conference is building on the success of the inaugural Biodiversity Conference held in 2021.”

The conference will feature 35 Indigenous keynote speakers and presenters, including artist-in-residence Neta Knapp.
Warrang-Bridil owner and lead guide Nick Abraham will open the event with a Welcome to Country and Carol Innes will perform the Welcome to Country at the Conference dinner.

The opening day will conclude with the world premiere of Mammung, a documentary film that tells the Indigenous experience of climate change.

Conference Chair Associate Professor Rachel Standish, from Murdoch University's Harry Butler Institute, said the conference is a joint venture between WA’s five Universities, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, the WA Biodiversity Science Institute and the WA Marine Science Institute, and has received strong support from Western Australian businesses.

“This event presents a major opportunity produce real, practical benefits from that collective knowledge and to expand collaboration across government and private sectors,” Associate Professor Standish said.