Goal 15 - Life on Land - RMIT University

Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science)

The Interdisciplinary Conservation Science Research Group (ICON Science) at RMIT University leads efforts to understand and manage the interactions between society and the natural environment. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, ICON Science integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions to enhance biodiversity conservation.

Focusing on urban and semi-rural environments, ICON Science addresses the gap between conservation theory and practical application. By examining the drivers of change in these complex settings, the group contributes valuable insights into sustainable ecosystem management.

Operating within RMIT's Centre of Urban Research (CUR) and Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), ICON Science also collaborates with the Threatened Species Recovery Hub and Clean Air and Urban Landscape Hub of the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program. These partnerships enhance conservation efforts and promote sustainable land use practices.

ICON Science's work not only advances academic understanding but also informs practical conservation strategies that benefit ecosystems and communities, exemplifying RMIT's commitment to impactful research and sustainable development.

Learn more about ICON Science

Australian Cities Fail International Tree Canopy Goals

A study published in Nature Communications by the RMIT Centre for Urban Research highlighted insufficient urban tree canopy cover in eight cities.

Despite many trees, only 3 per cent of buildings in central Melbourne and 17 per cent in Sydney have adequate canopy cover. The study, which included Melbourne and Sydney, found that while most buildings have views of at least three trees, few meet the 30 per cent canopy cover standard. This impacts urban cooling, flood risk, and biodiversity.

The research uses the ‘3-30-300’ rule, recommending a view of three trees, 30 per cent canopy cover, and 300 metres proximity to a park. impacting urban cooling, flood risk, and biodiversity.

Dr Thami Croeser from RMIT emphasises the need for better urban tree management, as local councils often lack the resources for proper care.

Learn more about how Australian cities fail international tree canopy goals

Understanding Wetland Carbon Storage to Protect Marine Ecosystems

RMIT University is advancing global understanding of how climate change affects wetland ecosystems, which are vital to ocean health and biodiversity. Led by Dr Stacey Trevathan-Tackett, an international team buried 19,000 teabags across 180 wetlands in 28 countries to measure how temperature influences wetland carbon storage.

The study found that rising temperatures accelerate organic matter decay, reducing carbon preservation in wetland soils. Since wetlands play a critical role in filtering water, protecting coastlines, and storing carbon that would otherwise enter marine environments, these findings have direct implications for SDG 14: Life Below Water.

By identifying which wetlands store the most carbon, RMIT’s research supports efforts to conserve blue carbon ecosystems, such as mangroves and seagrasses, that mitigate climate impacts, enhance water quality, and sustain marine biodiversity.