SDG 15 Life on Land

UNSW demonstrates expertise through people, centres and institutes and partnership

UNSW's Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES) focuses on promoting the viability of ecosystems through understanding ecosystem function, trajectories of change across landscapes, and solutions for conservation. This research has a strong focus on conservation practices for atmospheric, wetland, terrestrial, desert, and marine ecosystems, using this focus to make public best practices for conservation of each of the Earth's unique ecosystems.

The Australian Centre for Astrobiology (ACA) was founded by Prof. Malcolm Walter in July 2001 at Macquarie University, and then moved to the University of New South Wales in 2008. Being the only centre for astrobiological research in Australia, the ACA focuses on world-leading interdisciplinary research into the origin and evolution of life on Earth, across the Solar System and throughout the Universe, looking for connections and links to evolutions, as well as the habitability of other planets.

Founded in 2007, the UNSW Evolution and Ecology Research Centre (E&ERC) builds on a desire to provide a cohesive and cooperative environment for the University's efforts in evolution and ecology research and research training. The E&ERC builds capacity for and quality of research into evolution and ecology, creating public outreach to benefit life on land.

The Station is an active participant in the research and development of ecotourism in Outback NSW and wildlife tourism with kangaroos Australia-wide. The unique character of the Station is its long history of research, teaching and environmental monitoring, and its commitment to public education through publication and support of documentary film-makers.

Professor Kingsford is the Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science. He is a river ecologist and conservation biologist who has worked extensively across the wetlands and rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin and Lake Eyre Basin. He is also researches effective ways of implementing effective conservation actions through developing adaptive management approaches and engagement with communities.

Professor Moles is the Director of the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre. Her primary research goal is to quantify the ecological strategies employed by plant species in different environments, and to better understand the selective processes underlying global patterns in ecological strategy.

Professor Van Kranendonk is the Director of the Australian Centre for Astrobiology. His research interest is the early Earth, how it formed, how crust developed on the surface and changed over time, and how life gained a foothold on our developing planet.

Part of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, A/Prof. Cornwell's research interests lie at the intersection of plant eco-physiology, community ecology and ecosystem ecology. He is especially interested in using basic ecological tools, especially functional traits, to understand the effects of climate change on terrestrial biodiversity.

More information

UNSW is committed to protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Explore our commitments and activities to this Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). 

Explore UNSW's contributions to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, designed to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges, such as ending poverty and hunger, climate change, the reduction of inequalities and more.