Discovering biodiversity
2018: A decadal plan for taxonomy and biosystematics in Australia and New Zealand 2018–2027. This plan was developed in partnership with the Australian Academy of Science.
This decadal plan presents an agreed vision for the disciplines of taxonomy and biosystematics in Australia and New Zealand in the decade 2018–2027.
It seeks to:
- support the core activities, workforce and infrastructure of taxonomy and biosystematics
- enhance opportunities for understanding biodiversity and assisting end users of taxonomic and biosystematic knowledge
- expand both the business of taxonomy and biosystematics in Australia and New Zealand, and awareness of the importance and roles of the disciplines.
Report cover artwork by DH Stacey
Supporting, enhancing, and expanding taxonomy and biosystematics and their role in science and society is important. We are living through an unprecedented global crisis, caused by rapidly accelerating human impacts on the planet. Many species are becoming extinct before they have been documented, and every extinction is a loss for society, the environment, and our future. The need for a sound understanding of biodiversity has never been greater.
The vision of taxonomists and biosystematists in Australia and New Zealand is to invigorate and boost taxonomy and biosystematics in our countries, to help provide a better response to this urgent need.
Download plan: Discovering Biodiversity: A decadal plan for taxonomy and biosystematics in Australia and New Zealand 2018–2027
Download a print version of the plan from Taxonomy Australia.
Urgent message from Sir David Attenborough
Naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough endorses this plan.