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Have you ever thought about how many kinds of insects one city could be supporting? A recent study by CAUL researchers found over 550 insect species thriving in Melbourne’s green spaces, and citizen science is playing an important role in further research.

To continue to support these diverse insect communities we need to be prioritising the planting of both native and non-native plants in different vegetation habitat types, says Luis Mata, who spoke with Professor Tim Entwisle on ABC Radio National about insect biodiversity in Melbourne recently. During the interview they walked through the Royal Botanic Gardens observing some of the insects that call Melbourne home. His research is part of CAUL Hub’s project on the Shared Urban Habitat and is advocating for insects to continue to become part of the conservation movement.

Luis recently produced a children’s book, “The Little Things that Run the City – 30 amazing insects that live in Melbourne!”, which is beautifully illustrated by science communicator and artist Kate Cranney, and runs regular workshops at Westgate Park involving members of the public in observing and documenting urban pollinators.

Image credit: Luis Mata

Nature-based solutions (NBS) such as green roofs, wetlands and urban parks use the properties of natural systems to provide a host of benefits for human and non-human city dwellers. The CAUL Hub recently hosted a seminar on NBS in collaboration with RMIT University and Lund University. It featured presentations from Associate Professor Kirsten Parris, Professor Sarah Bekessy and Associate Professor Kes McCormick.

The event was facilitated by Dr Cathy Oke and featured an interactive discussion about the multitude of positive outcomes these solutions offer to people and biodiversity in urban areas. As well as limiting the effects of climate change and improving biodiversity, if implemented appropriately these solutions make significant contributions to social well-being.

As part of National Science Week celebrations, five hubs in the National Environmental Science Program came together in August to host Indigenous Science Conversations at Questacon in Canberra. It was wonderful to hear the inspiring First Nations speakers share their lived experience of the place of First Peoples in science, with a heartwarming Welcome to Country provided by Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan. CAUL Hub’s Cathy Oke and Maddi Miller curated these events and NITV was the media partner.

Led by MC extraordinaire Benny Wilson the panels included Brad Moggridge, Maddi Miller, David Hudson, Duane Fraser, Taleah Watego-Piggott and Luke Briscoe. Over two sessions the speakers informed, encouraged and amused the audience by sharing heartfelt stories of their journeys and the obstacles faced by First Peoples in the way the business of science has been done in Australia.

Following a short Q&A session with the panellists, there was an opportunity for the audience to write questions on cards for follow up after the events. We received over 30 questions and are currently working our way through these. Find responses that CAUL Hub’s Indigenous Knowledge Broker has provided here.