As patterns of land use and development change, planning for the protection of biodiversity and native vegetation is crucial to local, and indeed global, habitats. 

Biodiversity encompasses all components of the living world: the number and variety of plants, animals and other living things, including fungi and microorganisms, across land, rivers, coast and ocean. Biodiversity conservation is an essential component of responsible environmental and natural resource management. There is an increasing awareness of the need to consider the impact on biodiversity of as patterns of land use and development change, but also to look for opportunities to support and increase biodiversity in our urban environments. 

This eminent panel will discuss how local governments around the world play a key role in considering biodiversity values when planning for the use and development of public and private land, waterways and marine environments.

Panel includes:

• Dr Gillian Sparkes AM - Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability (VIC)
• Donna Manson - Chief Executive, The Highland Council (UK)
• Helen Bailey - Chief Executive, London Borough of Sutton (UK)
• Rachel Ollivier - Interim Chief Executive Officer, Darebin City Council (VIC)

This panel event will take place online via Zoom, with details sent to registrants 2 days prior to the event.

5:30PM AEST / 8:30AM UK time.