Cities are Country too: Illuminating Aboriginal perspectives of biodiversity in urban environments - Zena Cumpston (CAUL)

Research Synthesis

This report provides a summary of research and activities relating to Aboriginal perspectives of biodiversity in urban areas undertaken by Zena Cumpston, Research Fellow of the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Hub, between 2018 and 2020. This synthesis provides insight into the ways in which Aboriginal people and perspectives may be more meaningfully included in urban biodiversity actions.

Three key messages emerged from the research:

1. Aboriginal perspectives of biodiversity in urban areas are underrepresented and have much to offer as holistic approaches to sustainability, custodianship and resource management.

2. Greater resourcing (especially in education) to ensure participation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and community members is integral to knowledge exchange as well as equitable and meaningful collaboration between researchers and communities.

3. Storytelling and science communication are powerful media to ensure Aboriginal perspectives are showcased in a culturally appropriate context, providing education for a wide audience while promoting inclusion and respectful collaboration.

The synthesis can be downloaded here: