The goal of this conference is to recognise and reflect upon existing research, teaching and the collaboration of implemented projects across Australasia and to discuss current and future directions for joint research, teaching and professional projects, as well as the exchange of expertise between researchers and practitioners from Australasia and other regions of the world. This conference specifically targets Australian and New Zealand scholars, practitioners and stakeholders across landscape architecture, planning, urban design, and the ecological sciences. However, scholars from other regions as well as other fields of expertise such as geography, architecture, ecology, and conservation biology would be warmly welcomed to contribute to the emerging conversation.

Urban biodiversity and designing biodiversity-friendly environments are critical themes in research and teaching globally. To advance these through sustained engagement with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the International Network on Urban Biodiversity and Design (URBIO) was established in 2008 in Erfurt, Germany. Since then, URBIO has grown into a well-connected international network of scholars and professionals focused on various aspects of urban biodiversity and urban ecology, with particular emphasis on applying research to urban planning and design, landscape architecture, maintenance and social and human wellbeing.

While the majority of URBIO's research has originated in Europe and the United States, biodiversity-friendly landscape and planning projects, as well as urban ecology research are becoming increasingly popular in Australia and New Zealand. At the beginning of the 21st century, the loss and fragmentation of landscapes along with the decline of their unique flora and fauna has become particularly acute in Australia and New Zealand. On the one hand, these countries still host unique biodiversity (recognised as biodiversity hotspots) and Indigenous cultural landscapes. On the other hand, they are experiencing rapid urbanisation and a sustained ecological crisis.

Urban ecology and the design of biodiversity-friendly urban landscapes in Australia are still in their infancy, and there is currently a lack of a forum for the exchange of research, teaching, and project ideas and experiences. Typically, Australian and New Zealand-based conferences on urban biodiversity target the native components of urban ecosystems and their restoration. This conference, however, opens up a broader conversation, welcoming research and projects that showcase other approaches, perspectives and framings of urban biodiversity and design. This includes new viewpoints on urban nature such as informal, spontaneous, and designed natures, green infrastructure, novel ecosystems, as well as biodiversity friendly design and nature-based-solutions (NBS).

This conference also introduces URBIO's ideas and provides an opportunity for stronger integration into the international research and teaching activities.

The conference will host a range of keynote speakers from across the region and internationally and will combine key moments for discussion and dialogue among participants through engaging thematic-based speed talks and roundtables that will establish new levels of understanding and participation. This will be of interest to existing scholars, practitioners, local and state government representatives, and others.

PhD and other students will be very welcome.

We plan to publish a multiauthor peer-review paper based on the outcomes of the conference and will also call for publishing a special issue in Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, Urban Ecosystems or Landscape Review.

Hybrid Format (on site/Perth, Australia) and online (the link will be provided to the registered participants).

Lecture hall and field trip, recordings will be available.

Preliminary schedule:

Three-day conference (thematic sessions discussion and half-day field trip):

• Day one: presentations and discussions. Welcome reception.
• Day two: half of the day of presentations and discussions, walk around the UWA Campus. Dinner.
• Day three: field trip around Perth.

The final programme will be announced soon.

The conference will host a range of keynote speakers from across the region and internationally.

to be paid until 30 June 2025 (bank account details will be announced soon)

Please note: once registered a link for payment will be forwarded via email.

The registration fee covers the cost of a maximum of one presentation, coffee breaks, lunches, and a bus trip on the 3rd day.

The corresponding author (presenter) should register for the Conference.