Monash Report 2024 – Goal 15

Monash University Report 2024 on the UN Sustainable Development Goals

15 LIFE ON LAND

Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.

Research
Education
Engagement
Operations

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2024 Publications Performance View

In 2024 Monash University researchers produced 125 publications related to SDG 15, with a mean Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) of 1.62.

What is Field-Weighted Citation Impact?

Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) refers to the ratio of the actual number of citations received by a research output and the total citations expected based on the average of the subject field. An FWCI value of 1 may be interpreted as having ‘world average impact’. Thus, a publication with an FWCI of more than 1 indicates higher than expected citations based on the global average for similar publications. As FWCI reflects citations received to date, a publication’s FWCI value may fluctuate over time.

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Indigenous projects highlighting tree significance View

The Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous Research Lab at Monash University, led by Professor Brian Martin and N'arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM, has been involved in projects that highlight the ecological and cultural significance of trees, promoting the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity:

The 'Kummargi Ghadab Yulendj Tarrang' digital video project, highly commended in the South Australian Museum’s Waterhouse Natural Science Art prize 2024, uses laser scans to create a digital model of a culturally significant tree, integrating art and science to foster educational opportunities and cultural heritage.
The Ara-Thulu (tree) project, supported by a Maitri Cultural Partnership Grant, involves collaboration between Indigenous artists from southeast Australia and Odisha, India, focusing on the cultural significance of trees through workshops, artistic exchanges, and a public exhibition and performance.

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Predictive tool for invasive species and research on rodent control View

Monash University researchers have developed a predictive tool for identifying potential invasive animal species in Australia, and conducted research on controlling invasive rodent populations on Norfolk Island:

The tool assesses invasion risk based on species attributes and human introduction likelihood, identifying potential invaders like the common European viper and the graceful chameleon, addressing threats to biodiversity and the economy.
Research on Norfolk Island focuses on controlling invasive rodents to protect native species while avoiding harm to critically endangered species, highlighting the need for innovative and safe pest control methods.

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Monitoring the level of protection for global conservation areas View

Associate Professor Carly Cook from Monash University led a study to develop a system for tracking changes in protection levels for conserved areas, termed CADDD (Conserved Areas Downgrading, Downsising and Delisting). This research is crucial for monitoring the protection of biodiversity, especially as the international community aims to protect 30% of the Earth by 2030.

The study documented the first instance of a conserved area, the Northeast Newfoundland Slope Closure in Canada, having its protection downgraded, highlighting the need for transparent systems to track such changes.

Read the full article in Monash Lens

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Innovative biodiversity conservation projects at Monash University View

Monash University researchers are advancing biodiversity conservation through innovative projects:

The Mining Spatial Data Intelligence Research Hub at Monash University, Indonesia, led by Professor Alex Lechner and Dr Risqi Saputra, received the 'Most Visionary Research' award for using AI and remote sensing to assess the impact of energy transition on biodiversity in nickel mining.

New species of desert rock skink

Researchers led by Jules Farquhar from the School of Biological Sciences discovered a new species of rock skink in the central Australian desert, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts and integrating cultural knowledge with scientific research.

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Monash studies on ecosystem dynamics and species adaptation View

Researchers at Monash University are contributing to ecosystem preservation and biodiversity through improving the understanding of ecosystem dynamics and species adaptation:

SDG15-Res5 Ecology field work photograph

A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution demonstrated how evolution can influence ecosystem tipping points. The researchers used E. coli to observe rapid evolutionary changes and their impact on ecosystem resilience, addressing environmental stressors like climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Research by the Monash University School of Biological Sciences on superb fairy-wrens explored their complex social structures and cooperative behaviours in response to environmental conditions, enhancing understanding of biodiversity and species adaptation.

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Advancements in biodiversity and evolutionary research View

Monash University researchers have conducted several studies to enhance understanding of biodiversity and evolutionary processes:

Associate Professors Alan Dorin and Adrian Dyer used AI and computer simulations to explore the evolution of floral colours and their relationship with pollinators, contributing to smart agriculture.
A study on visual illusions in bees and wasps revealed insights into animal cognition and evolutionary pathways.

Bee approaching yellow flower

Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich's research on Jurassic shuotheriids provided new perspectives on mammaliaform evolution.
The discovery of Jurassic fossils offered insights into the evolution of the middle ear in mammals.

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Greener drug design is urgently needed to address environmental pollution View

Monash University researchers, including Dr Lauren May and Dr Manuela Jorg from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Professor Bob Wong from the School of Biological Sciences, have contributed to an international study published in Nature Sustainability. The study highlights the urgent need for greener drug design to address environmental pollution caused by pharmaceuticals.

The research emphasises the impact of pharmaceutical contamination on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and public health, and calls for strategies to minimise environmental impacts across the pharmaceutical life cycle. This includes sustainable prescribing practices, public awareness, enhanced wastewater treatment, and eco-friendly drug design.

Read the full article in Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences News

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Teeth tell tales: new study reveals how kangaroo incisors indicate age and sex View

Monash University biologists, including PhD candidate William Parker and Professor Alistair Evans from the School of Biological Sciences, have developed a novel method to determine the age and sex of Australian marsupials based on their teeth. This study, published in Archives of Oral Biology, provides significant insights for vets, ecologists, and conservationists by revealing that kangaroo incisors record age and sex.

Kangaroo Teeth

The research has implications for population ecology, conservation efforts, and the study of marsupial evolution, and can also be applied to extinct species through fossilised teeth.

Read the full article in Monash Science News

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Association between excess heat exposure and preterm births View

A Monash-led study, spearheaded by Associate Professor Shanshan (Shandy) Li from the Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, examined 1.2 million births in Sydney over two decades, revealing a strong association between preterm births and exposure to extreme heat during the third trimester of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that greenery in residential areas might mitigate some risks associated with extreme heat.

The research highlights the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning to improve public health outcomes as global temperatures rise.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Monash scientists embark on critical Antarctic expeditions View

Monash University scientists, led by Professor Steven Chown from the School of Biological Sciences, are embarking on critical Antarctic expeditions as part of the Monash-led Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future (SAEF) program. This multidisciplinary research initiative, funded by the Australian Research Council, aims to conserve the Antarctic by understanding its past, present, and future changes.

The expeditions involve collaboration with international experts to collect samples and study the impacts of climate change, contributing to solutions for environmental conservation. The research aligns with the Antarctic Treaty, promoting peace and scientific cooperation.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Prestigious early career award for Earth, Atmosphere and Environment researcher View

Dr Andrew Gunn from the Monash University School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment has been awarded the prestigious Luna B. Leopold Early Career Award by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) for his contributions to the field of Earth and planetary surface processes. His research focuses on the patterns that emerge from geophysical fluids and how planetary surfaces coevolve with atmospheric or liquid flows, particularly in response to climate change.

This recognition highlights the significance of his work in understanding and predicting the impact of climate change on wind-blown landscapes, such as dune fields, which cover a significant portion of Australia's surface.

Read the full article in Monash Science News

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Unit statistics and highlights View

In 2024, Monash offered 64 units directly related to SDG 15, with 11074 total enrolments.

Highlighted below are a few of the units at Monash related to Life on Land:

ENS5310 Securing biodiversity and ecosystems
BIO2011 Ecology and biodiversity
BIO1042 Life in the environment

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Study reveals first emissions snapshot of Australian coal mines View

Monash civil engineering students Duvin de Mel and Josiah Butter, under the guidance of Professor Mohan Yellishetty, conducted a study to compile the first snapshot of greenhouse gas emissions from 140 Australian coal mines. The research highlighted the environmental footprint of coal mining and its potential impact on human health, emphasising the importance of mine location and surrounding vegetation in mitigating CO₂ emissions.

The study found significant emissions from coal mines in NSW and QLD, with implications for urban areas and health risks. The research aims to inform policymakers and mining companies about climate and health risks, advocating for better urbanisation and vegetation management around coal mines.

Read the full article in Monash Engineering News

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Capturing contributions to change: photography and sustainability View

Fanny Abdul Aziz, an MBI student at Monash University, Indonesia, presented at the MuSE event series on the intersection of photography and sustainability.

As a Google Local Guide and Street View Trusted Photographer, Fanny shared his experiences in using photography to raise awareness of sustainability issues, such as documenting landslides in Papua and promoting sustainable tourism in West Sumatra.

muse-photography-and-sustainability

The event encouraged Monash students to engage in sustainability efforts through photography and other activities.

Read the full article in Monash Indonesia News

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Carrots and sticks to protect the environment in biodiversity conservation View

Monash University conducted a survey of over 4000 Australians to understand their views on biodiversity and conservation behaviours. The study found that a significant majority of Australians support government policies aimed at biodiversity conservation, including both incentives and penalties.

The research highlights the potential for governments to implement stronger conservation policies, leveraging behavioral science tools such as social norms and default options to increase public support. Monash is committed to advancing sustainability and participated in COP29 to influence global policy outcomes.

Read the full article in Monash Lens

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World-first catalogue released as global biodiversity conference begins View

The Climateworks Centre at Monash University has launched the Natural Capital Measurement Catalogue (NCMC), a world-first resource to support the consistent measurement of natural capital. This open-source, scientifically rigorous tool was developed over four years in collaboration with experts, industry, government, and research stakeholders.

The NCMC aims to help businesses, particularly in the agricultural value chain, better understand, measure, and report their natural capital, which is crucial as more than half of the world's GDP is dependent on nature. The launch coincides with the 16th global United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Colombia.

Read the full article in Climateworks Centre News

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Monash Indonesia's environmental and biodiversity initiatives View

Monash University, Indonesia, through various workshops and talks, is working to address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation:

The Environmental History Workshop, co-organised by the Institute for Advanced Research (IFAR), aimed to mainstream environmental history in Indonesia by training young historians to connect historical environmental issues with current crises.

luthfi-adam-presenting-environmental-history

A workshop on policy and governance approaches to mitigate carbon emissions and haze in Southeast Asia's peatlands was hosted, fostering a community of practice among Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and involving participants from government, NGOs, and academia.
The MUST-Urban Transformation Talks #8 focused on urban biodiversity and human-nature connections in Indonesia, promoting multispecies justice and sustainable urban development.

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LUTO 2 model for sustainable land management View

The Climateworks Centre, in collaboration with Deakin University and CSIRO, is advancing sustainable land management in Australia through the development of the LUTO 2 spatial model. This model guides land use changes to achieve net zero emissions, balancing emissions reduction, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural productivity.

Highlighted at COP28, the initiative promotes a 'nature positive' approach to reverse biodiversity decline and restore ecosystems by 2030, emphasising the integration of nature into decision-making for climate and biodiversity targets.

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Supporting Nature Positive View

Monash University is actively contributing to Australia's Nature Positive Plan and the Global Nature Positive Summit, focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use:

Monash researchers from various disciplines are developing a research network to support biodiversity goals.
The Global Nature Positive Summit in Sydney emphasised integrating nature into climate action, with Climateworks Centre showcasing the Land Use Trade-Offs Model and introducing the Natural Capital Measurement Catalogue.

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Monash rural health teams drive green impact in the workplace and community View

Monash Rural Health teams, including those from Clayton, Warragul & South Gippsland, and Bendigo, participated in the Green Impact program, achieving gold and platinum levels for their sustainability efforts.

Representatives from Monash Rural Health's Green Impact 2023 teams