Join us for AELA's "Exploring Bioregioning" webinar series!
In our June webinar AELA Convenor and Greenprints creator, Dr Michelle Maloney will be joined by Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe (AO) and Ben Derrick to discuss the important work they are doing in connection with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation.
The conversation will cover the underlying principles of the UNESCO biosphere program, and the reality of applying these principles to the everyday work of the local authority. For a living, breathing Australian example of bioregioning - don't miss this webinar!
WHAT IS 'BIOREGIONING'?
Bioregioning is a Western term that sees human societies and culture as part of nature, and proposes that modern human societies can be more sustainable, successful and meaningful, if our political, cultural and economic systems are organised within natural boundaries such as bioregions and catchments (watersheds). While First Nations Peoples have practiced bioregional and biocultural governance for millennia, many modern industrialised societies are only now rediscovering and experimenting with bioregioning, and learning how nature can be a guide for sustainable human societies.
'Exploring Bioregioning' is part of AELA's Greenprints program, and features guest speakers from diverse backgrounds, disciplines and bioregions, sharing research, insights and stories from around Australia and around the world. Our goal is to show how bioregioning offers important pathways to create Earth-centred systems change.
ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
EMERITUS PROFESSOR IAN LOWE AO
Professor Ian Lowe AO is an Australian academic and writer focused on environmental issues. A physics graduate, he is an Emeritus Professor of Science, Technology and Society and former Head of the School of Science at Griffith University. He is also an adjunct professor at Sunshine Coast University. Ian has authored or co-authored 14 books, 10 Open University books, more than 50 book chapters and over 500 other publications. Books by Lowe include A Big Fix, Reaction Time, Living in the Hothouse, Why vs Why: Nuclear Power, A Voice of Reason: Reflections on Australia, Bigger or Better? Australia's Population Debate, The Lucky Country? Reinventing Australia and Long Half-life: The Nuclear Industry in Australia.
BEN DERRICK
Ben Derrick is an environmental management professional with over 30 years’ experience, driven by a strong commitment to achieving balanced, sustainable outcomes. His work focuses on navigating the intersection of conservation, community use, and the increasing pressures on natural systems and the ecosystem services they provide. Ben has played a significant role in biodiversity and economic sustainability initiatives within the Victorian Alpine Resorts—an environment at the forefront of climate impacts. He has held senior leadership roles across multiple levels of government and is currently Environmental Services Manager at Noosa Council, where he contributes to the stewardship of life within the Noosa UNESCO Biosphere.
MICHELLE MALONEY
Dr Michelle Maloney (PhD) is an Earth lawyer and advocate for ecocentric and bioregional governance. She is recognised internationally and in Australia for her work advocating for Earth centred law and governance, including First Laws and the Rights of Nature. Michelle is Co-Founder and Director of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), and Co-Founder and Director of Future Dreaming, an Indigenous led organisation that works to share Indigenous ecological and governance knowledge with non-Indigenous people and organisations in Australia. For more information about Michelle's work, publications and affiliations, please visit: www.michellemaloney.au
ABOUT THE NOOSA BIOSPHERE FOUNDATION
The Noosa Biosphere Reserve, on Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi Country, is a celebration of community and environment. Our pristine beaches, natural landscape, and rich biodiversity make the Noosa Shire an attractive place to live, work and visit. Here, our community values the arts, culture and environment. Together, we work to manage the region’s land, forests, mountains, waters, heathlands and wildlife sustainably.
NBRF works with an array of stakeholders and partners to identify ways in which sustainable practices can be implemented to benefit the NBR. In 2007, Noosa Shire was the first site in Queensland to be awarded UNESCO biosphere reserve status. The factors that have helped shape the Noosa Biosphere Reserve include its unique natural landscape, social history, cultural traditions, government and regulatory systems as well as its political, social and economic activities. Our community respects the Traditional Owners, the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people, and works to ensure connection to Country continues to be shared. www.noosabiosphere.org.au
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN EARTH LAWS ALLIANCE (AELA)
AELA is a not-for-profit organisation working to increase the understanding and practical implementation of Earth-centred (ecocentric) governance, with a focus on systems change across law, economics, education, ethics and community participation in Australia. AELA's vision is an Australian society that embraces an ecocentric or ‘life-centred’ culture, with governance systems that enable human communities to thrive within ecological boundaries, while nurturing biodiversity and ecosystem health. AELA's work includes education programs and project support for people, communities and organisations working to create ecocentric systems change.
For more information, visit our website: www.earthlaws.org.au
or email us anytime: aela@earthlaws.org.au