Advancing Urban Biodiversity and Design
by Chris Tidswell, IFLA-APR President · 31st of August and 1st of September · Perth, Australia
(Photos from organisers and participants)
The International Network on Urban Biodiversity and Design (URBIO) 2025 Conference, held at The University of Western Australia in Perth, provided an outstanding platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and critical reflection on the future of urban biodiversity and design.
I extend my sincere thanks to Professor Maria Ignaieva and Dr. Simon Kilbane for their exceptional leadership in organizing such a thought-provoking and well-executed event.
The keynote address by Bruno Marques offered a compelling reminder of the pivotal role landscape architects play in addressing the challenges posed by urbanization. His insights reinforced the urgency and responsibility we share in shaping ecologically resilient urban environments.
A highlight of the program was the presentation by Dr. Joshua Zeunert (University of New South Wales), who emphasized the profound impact of agriculture and food systems on biodiversity loss, urging us to “Eat Like Biodiversity Depends on It.”
(Photos from organisers and participants)
(Photos from organisers and participants)
Equally impactful were the contributions from Linna Yi, Scott Hawken, and Douglas Bardsley, who discussed the Great Green Wall (GGW) Project in China—one of the world’s most ambitious afforestation initiatives, with significant implications for climate resilience and ecological restoration.
I am grateful to all presenters and participants for their valuable contributions and insights. The discussions sparked at URBIO 2025 will undoubtedly continue to shape our collective efforts in advancing sustainable urban design and biodiversity conservation.
View the Highlights of the field trip:
(Photos from organisers and participants)