Melbourne is home to world leading experts on biodiversity: come hear them discuss the CitiesWithNature program with Prof Thomas Elmqvist.

In this exciting lunch time discussion, some of Melbourne’s leading voices on urban nature will join Professor Thomas Elmqvist (Stockholm Resilience Centre ) to present and discuss a snapshot of activities underway locally and abroad to increase biodiversity in our cities. 

Speakers include:

Prof Sarah Bekessy ICON Science , RMIT University

Dr Judy Bush, Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne

Dave Callow and Lee Harrison, City of Melbourne

Prof Thomas Elmqvist, Stockholm Resilience Centre and co-chair of CitiesWithNature Knowledge Hub

Maree Grenfell, Resilient Melbourne

Martin Hartigan, The Nature Conservancy and Resilient Melbourne

Prof Niki Frantzeskaki, Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University

Steve Gawler and Bernie Cotter, ICLEI Oceania

Dr Cathy Oke Connected Cities Lab, University of Melbourne and co-chair of CitiesWithNature Knowledge Hub

It will be a Midday start for this 60 min discussion, plus 30 min Q+A.

We will first hear from Professor Elmqist, and then our panel of local experts will respond with examples of current projects and programs devised to increase nature in our cities.

We would love to hear from you on your activities to boost nature in cities too, as we are busy documenting projects for a CitiesWithNature, an Oceania perspective, publication. 

CitiesWithNature is an open platform, devised by ICLEI, The Nature Conservancy and IUCN, for cities and their partners to engage and connect, working with shared commitment towards a more sustainable urban world.