2020-12-16
The ACT Government has today launched its Science Plan, which provides a five-year framework for scientific development, research and management into the Territory's environment.
The Science Plan will help guide the Government’s work across a full range of scientific areas in the Canberra region, including biosecurity, nature conservation, forest and rural land management, environmental protection, bushfire management, heritage and water.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the Plan will help shape a future in which environment is conserved and enhanced for generations to come.
“We are fortunate to live in Canberra, a place with so much ecological diversity and natural beauty," Minister Vassarotti said. "We know that the wellbeing of our environment plays an important role in supporting our community's health and wellbeing.
"The environmental challenges we face are rapidly expanding: a growing population, urban expansion and intensification, water extraction, spread of invasive plants and animals, ecological fragmentation, bushfire and climate are all reducing the capacity of our ecosystem to deliver ecosystem services.
"To solve these challenges, we need to listen to scientists and adopt an evidence-based approach. We need to protect our ecosystems and make sure they remain healthy and thriving. Healthy ecosystems not only lead to cleaner air and water, they provide habitats for our native flora and fauna, and more green spaces for the community.
"The ACT Government is committed to creating a strong, evidence-based approach to research and decision making so we can so we can meet these challenges head on."
ACT Conservator for Flora and Fauna Ian Walker said the Science Plan lays the framework for conserving environment in a coordinated and collaborative way.
“This plan is also a vision to empower citizen scientists, Universities, Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians, and other interested parties to join the ACT Government and undertake collaborative research to inform future decisions and care for Canberra’s environment," Mr Walker said.
The ACT Government will continue to collaborate with Australian National University, CSIRO and University of Canberra, along with many other knowledge providers including Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians.