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Western Australia has recently joined a global network of 85 Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) promoting sustainability, thanks to an initiative by staff at The University of Western Australia.

WA is the first Australian State to become a member of the international program, overseen by the United Nations University.  The program aims to better integrate science and technology into education for sustainable development and to strengthen collaboration between science and technology researchers and teachers.

The WA node of the RCE, to be based at UWA, will engage organisations such as schools, other tertiary institutions, Government departments and community groups in reducing humankind's footprint on the planet and developing the range of skills and actions needed.

Winthrop Professor Tony O'Donnell, Dean of UWA's Science Faculties, was instrumental in gaining approval for the WA-based RCE.

"WA is home to some of the most unusual and unique biodiversity on Earth," he said.  "The south-west is one of the world's recognised 34 biodiversity hotspots and one of only five Mediterranean-type ecosystems in the world.

"WA is located in the world's fastest-growing economic region and its population is fast approaching two million.

"In this decade, as Government leaders, scientists and rural producers Australia-wide contend with climate change, weed management, salinity, water shortages, drought and the management of introduced pests, maintaining biodiversity is an ever-increasing and urgent challenge."

Professor O'Donnell said WA was already at the forefront of integration of sustainable development and its membership of the RCE would further these efforts.

Along with the schools, tertiary institutions and Government departments who backed the bid for the RCE were the Perth Zoo, Scitech and community association Environment House.

Media references

Winthrop Professor Tony O'Donnell (Dean UWA Faculties of Science)  (+61 8)  6488 8703
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716