Biodiversity Month 2012

Making biodiversity pay

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In the face of rapidly declining biodiversity, we need to make urgent decisions: where to invest, what to manage and what approach will work?

CSIRO scientists recognise the trade-offs we face in society and are researching techniques to support good natural resource management, more effective investment, and better biodiversity and ecosystems outcomes. 

The research involves 

  • working with indigenous communities to better protect their and Australia's biodiversity assets
  • developing methods to establish mainstream markets for biodiversity goods and services
  • scoping planning, management and investment tools for policy makers
  • monitoring biodiversity indicators for national and regional scale reporting.

Improving natural resource management by combining ecological and economic research

CSIRO applies rigorous economic research to deliver real policy solutions for natural resource management around Australia.

Dr Stuart Whitten: using economics to support natural resource management

Dr Stuart Whitten specialises in the design and implementation of market-based instruments (MBIs) and other policy instruments to support environmental outcomes. He is a team leader in the Social and Economic Sciences Program and a stream leader in CSIRO’s Biodiversity Theme (BRABA).

Dr Andrew Reeson: behavioural economist

Dr Andrew Reeson is using experimental economics to understand human decision making processes that influence the management of natural resources.

Ms Anthea Coggan: developing economic tools for conservation management

Ms Anthea Coggan analyses and designs tools such as market based instruments (MBIs) for improved natural resource management on private land.

Dr Rosemary Hill: collaborative environmental governance and planning science

Dr Rosemary Hill is a human geographer specialising in collaborative environmental governance and planning research with a particular focus on Indigenous systems.

Dr Fiona Walsh: understanding indigenous culture and 'country'

Dr Fiona Walsh works closely with Aboriginal communities to deliver improved trends in health, cultural diversity, ecology and lifestyles.