Leading Transformative Change for Biodiversity

Biodiversity is under threat all across the world, especially in biodiversity hotspots like southwest WA. Protecting nature is not just important for plants and animals, it is also vital for human societies, with over half the global GDP generated by activities that are dependent on nature. 

But how can we transform the systems that led to this decline in biodiversity? The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), an independent body formed by 150 member governments, recently released the Transformative Change Report which outlines the key strategies that we need to enact at both local and global levels in order to create positive change for the environment.

Dr Judith Fisher is a member of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel. She will be discussing how we can lead transformative change within our local communities at the next Bold Ideas speaker night hosted by the Friends of Bold Park Bushland.

This talk starts at 6.30pm on Thursday June 12th at the WA Ecology Centre, near the northern end of Perry Lakes Drive, in Bold Park. 

All are welcome to attend with a $3 donation on entry helping to support the work of the Friends of Bold Park Bushland. Tea, coffee, and a light supper will be provided afterwards. Please Contact Us for more information.

Dr Judith Fisher is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the Institute of Agriculture at the University of Western Australia, Director of Fisher Research Pty Ltd, and Elected Member of the IPBES Multidisciplinary Expert Panel.

Released in December 2024, the Transformative Change Report identified the approaches needed to achieve urgently needed transformative change to halt the collapse in biodiversity that is happening worldwide.

Transformative change is a fundamental system-wide shift in views, structure and practices. 

There is a closing window of opportunity to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and to prevent triggering the potentially irreversible decline and the projected collapse of key ecosystem functions.

Most previous and current approaches to conservation, which aim to reform rather than transform systems, have failed to halt or reverse the decline of nature … having serious repercussions for the global economy and human well-being.

The cost of delaying actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and nature’s decline around the world by even a decade is estimated to be double that of acting now.

People and local communities play a meaningful role and have a greater likelihood of advancing transformative change. Visions for living in harmony with nature are more likely to succeed when they emerge from inclusive, rights-based approaches and stakeholder processes incorporating collaboration for change across sectors.