Melbourne is a hotspot for biodiversity innovation, but does the world really see us that way? How can leaders across sectors better work together to establish and strengthen Melbourne brand as a 'nature positive' city?

To mark the COP16 UN Biodiversity Convention (taking place in Columbia, Oct 21 – Nov 1), Regeneration Projects is teaming up with the Biodiversity Council and Melbourne Centre for Cities to hold a special gathering for local Nature professionals.

This will be an opportunity to take stock on Melbourne and Australia's progress since COP15 in Montreal, celebrating successful case studies and considering the prevailing challenges that are blocking further progress.

Guest Speakers

We've invited a range of local actors to share a short provocation to open the event:

- Lis Ashby, Policy & Innovation Lead, Biodiversity Council

- Dr. Kylie Soanes, Research Fellow, Melbourne Centre for Cities

- Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager, Intrepid Travel

- Ash Bartley, First Peoples Partnerships Manager, Trust for Nature

- April Seymore, Executive Officer, Port Phillip Eco Centre

(more coming soon!)

What to expect?

After an introduction and series of short provocations by Guest Speakers, we'll run a 20min stand up 'open mic' session where participants are welcome to share their own updates or make exciting announcements. Then the event will progress into an informal social gathering, with one simple but impactful request (see below).

Call to Action

All participants will be invited to contribute a short statement to an Open Letter which will be shared with the Victorian Government's Minister for Environment, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos, as well as the City of Melbourne's Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece. The Letter is intended to reflect our collective aspirations to better position Melbourne (and Victoria) as an internationally-recognised biodiversity innovation hot spot.

Location:

Biosciences 1, University of Melbourne

This event will be run by Regeneration Projects in partnership with the Biodiversity Council and Melbourne Centre for Cities as part of the Melbourne Business & Biodiversity Circle.

For any queries, contact:

hello@regenprojects.earth