Looking back on WOMADelaide 2025

Planet Talks 2025

In early March, the Environment Institute presented The Planet Talks at the 2025 WOMADelaide Festival, held on Saturday, 9th March. Taking place at the Frome Park Pavilion, these thought-provoking sessions brought together inspiring speakers to discuss, collaborate, and spark positive change for the environment.

Back from the Brink 
Facilitated by Environment Institute Director Professor Andrew Lowe, with speakers Andry Sculthorpe Cissy Gore-Birch OAM Katherine Moseby. The discussion delved into the pressing issue of the Earth’s sixth mass extinction, with millions of species at risk. The panel explored what Australia is doing to advocate for and protect species within our natural landscapes.

Key insights from this session included:

  • The crucial role of local and regional action in conservation, with governments, private landholders, and Indigenous communities working together.

  • The importance of creating "safe havens" and establishing fenced areas to ensure the survival of reintroduced species.

  • Integrating traditional practices with modern conservation methods, recognizing the necessity of active, ongoing management.

  • Strengthening governance and sustainable funding for land management, including revising policies like the EPBC Act.

  • Advocating for stronger policies and funding to support Indigenous leadership in environmental conservation.

Click here to listen to "Back from the Brink" now. 

 

Adapt or Collapse? 
Facilitated by Julia Lester, this session featured speakers Bhiamie Williamson, Elizabeth Mossop Emma Bacon  focusing on the impacts of climate change. The discussion uncovered critical questions about how cities can adapt to climate challenges and what preventitive measures can help to secure our futures. 
Click here to listen to "Adapt or Collapse?" now. 

The Planet Talks emphasised the need for a holistic and inclusive approach to conservation by combining traditional knowledge, modern science, and community engagement. Participants were encouraged to support conservation initiatives, advocate for stronger environmental policies, and take individual actions to prevent further biodiversity loss.

These discussions serve as a powerful reminder that individual actions matter, and as a community, we have a collective responsibility to protect our planet and its diverse ecosystems.

 

More Information
The Planet Talks Program 

The Planet Talks Media Release 

WOMADelaide 

Planet Talks 2025 speakers
Tagged in environment institute, Womadelaide, climate change, biodiversity, species
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