News from the Environment Institute /environment/ en New Research on Governance Challenges for Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Bangladesh /environment/news/list/2025/09/16/new-research-on-governance-challenges-for-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in Environment Institute member Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray has co-authored a new article examining the governance challenges of implementing ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) in Bangladesh. The paper, written with Syed Mohammad Aminur Rahman and Md. Masud-All-Kamal, explores how wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and community resilience, are increasingly under threat from climate change and ecological degradation. September 16 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/16/new-research-on-governance-challenges-for-ecosystem-based-adaptation-in Global Collaboration in Action: United Nations Association x Environment Institute /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment The Environment Institute was honoured to host Jay Jethwa, Vice President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations, whose visit strengthened connections between the UN system and universities, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals. Jay also delivered a keynote address at the special event ‘Biodiversity Matters’, co-hosted with UNASA and DFAT. The event was MC’d by Martin Haese, opened by Dr Susan Close MP and convened by Institute Director Professor Andrew Lowe, the panel featured Jay Jethwa, Jill Collins (DFAT), Tim Jarvis AM, and Craig Wilkins, with closing remarks from The Hon. Robert Hill AC. The event was held in honour of Lidia Moretti, President of the South Australian chapter of the United Nations Associations. September 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/global-collaboration-in-action-united-nations-association-x-environment How Hard is the Algal Bloom Hitting South Australia? Impacts on Marine Life & Humans /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/how-hard-is-the-algal-bloom-hitting-south-australia-impacts-on-marine-life Our Environment Institute members have been active in the Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) space. Discover the devastating effects of HABs on marine life, human health, and ecosystems. Learn which species are safe, the scale of destruction, and the solutions scientists are testing for recovery. September 12 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/how-hard-is-the-algal-bloom-hitting-south-australia-impacts-on-marine-life What does the future hold for our planet? /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/what-does-the-future-hold-for-our-planet In the latest issue of Lumen, Director Professor Andrew Lowe responds to alumni readers’ questions about the future, from climate change and biodiversity loss to water security and government inaction. At the Environment Institute, our researchers are working to create real solutions to these challenges — combining world-leading science, citizen engagement, and education to drive lasting impact. September 10 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/10/what-does-the-future-hold-for-our-planet National Threatened Species Day: Bob Croser ReBird The Ranges /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/national-threatened-species-day-bob-croser-rebird-the-ranges September 7th is National Threatened Species Day, a significant day which also marks the death of the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger in Australia. The aim of this national day is to shed light on other native species that are at risk of having the same fate. At the Environment Institute, the Bob Croser Woodland Recovery Program is supporting research and hands-on restoration projects in the South Australian Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR). The Program works hand-in-hand with ReBird the Ranges and its network of partner organisations, all united by a shared passion for bringing back MLR woodland bird populations. September 7 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/national-threatened-species-day-bob-croser-rebird-the-ranges Dr Nina Wootton Awarded 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/dr-nina-wootton-awarded-2025-max-day-environmental-science-fellowship-award Congratulations to Environment Institute member Dr Nina Wootton who was presented with 2025 Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award, by the Australian Academy of Science. Named in honour of the Dr Maxwell Frank Cooper Day AO FAA, who held strong beliefs towards interdisciplinary approach to research, this award provides funding to early career researchers. September 4 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/04/dr-nina-wootton-awarded-2025-max-day-environmental-science-fellowship-award Building International Partnerships: CIFOR-ICRAF /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/building-international-partnerships-cifor-icraf Dr Robert Nasi, Director of Science, Centre for International Forest and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), recently visited the Environment Institute at the university of 911 as we continue to build and strengthen our successful partnership with CIFOR-ICRAF. Robert is an Adjunct professor at the university of 911 and featured as a panellist at the 2025 EI Research Symposium session “partner connected research”. September 3 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/building-international-partnerships-cifor-icraf South Australia Paving the Way to Reduce Plastic Pollution /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/south-australia-paving-the-way-to-reduce-plastic-pollution South Australia has become the first place in the world to ban single-use plastic soy sauce containers, marking a major step in the fight against plastic pollution. Dr Nina Wootton, Environment Institute member, welcomed the move, highlighting the dangers of “convenience packaging” that is too small to recycle effectively. She hops other Australian states will adopt similar bans, positioning South Australia as a global leader in tackling single-use plastics. September 2 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/09/02/south-australia-paving-the-way-to-reduce-plastic-pollution The Harmful Algal Bloom – moving to finding a solution /environment/news/list/2025/08/27/the-harmful-algal-bloom-moving-to-finding-a-solution As advised in a recent submission to the Australian Senate Inquiry into algal blooms in South Australia, researchers from the Environment Institute have recommended immediate actions. In the last month we produced and published the Environment Institute Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Capability statement to highlight this expertise, and help engagement with partners seeking to find solutions to the harmful algal bloom challenge.  August 29 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/27/the-harmful-algal-bloom-moving-to-finding-a-solution Celebrating the First Ever World Lake Day: Why Lakes Matter /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/celebrating-the-first-ever-world-lake-day-why-lakes-matter Today is the first ever United Nation’s World Lake Day. The need to protect our lakes and maintain their biodiversity is essential more than ever. Lakes play a key role in climate regulation, keeping our planet cool through absorbing floodwaters, and storing carbon. We’re highlighting the research of Environment Institute member Professor Justin Brookes and his colleagues. Their recently published study enhances our understanding of nitrogen removal mechanisms in both the water column and sediments of large shallow lakes. August 27 2025 Marilia Jean Belperio /environment/news/list/2025/08/20/celebrating-the-first-ever-world-lake-day-why-lakes-matter