The inaugural Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (GBMWHA) conference, held on
Friday 9 August, marked a pivotal moment for driving collaboration on protection and
environmental stewardship of the globally significant landscape of the Blue Mountains.
At its heart was the launch of the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage property
Research Prospectus - a catalyst for guiding evidence based research essential for
safeguarding the environmental values and ecosystems of this extraordinary World-Heritage
listed place.
Co-hosted by Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI), the Blue Mountains Branch of
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) and Blue Mountains City Council
(BMCC), the conference underscored the power of collaboration in achieving effective
stewardship. This landmark event brought together leaders, experts, and community
stakeholders, all united by a shared commitment to preserving the cultural and natural values of
the area.
Delegates were welcomed to Gundungurra and Dharug Country by Aunty Carol Cooper and
Deborah Smith. The day then featured a range of First Nations leaders, environmental
specialists, academics, government and NGO representatives, who shared their insights on key
topics of learning from and with First Nations; collaborating for landscape stewardship; investing
and benefitting from nature; and building a sustainable urban interface with World Heritage.
Federal Member for Macquarie and Special Envoy for the Arts, Susan Templeman MP,
commended the collaborative efforts that led to the development of the Research Prospectus,
stating:
"The document lays out the most urgent and profound challenges that the World Heritage Area
faces in the century ahead - climate change, fire, loss of biodiversity, invasive species, direct
human impacts on the landscape and the need to recognise First Nations' cultural rights.
"The historical, geographic and economic forces behind each of these issues are complex and
inter-related. Unfortunately, this also means that quick, easy solutions are not always close to
hand.
"But no lasting policy solution can be formed without a strong evidence base. This Research
Prospectus is a crucial step towards that."'
Thanking all who contributed to the Research Prospectus, Mayor Mark Greenhill said:
"Working in partnership on a collaborative framework, we have collectively identified priority
management outcomes for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area and identified
research questions that need to be answered so we can best address threats to the region.
"In the face of climate change and natural disasters, it is imperative that we work together to
restore the health of our natural systems, protecting the values of this unique and spectacular
place we call home."
Speaking from a local perspective on the importance of engaging with stakeholders, Rosemary
Dillon, BMCC CEO said "protecting the World Heritage Area is a collective endeavour requiring
collective governance and aligned and effective collaborations. It's great to see representatives
of all levels of government, universities, other agencies and organisations and First Nations
represented here today. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve as we listen to each other
and share our collective insights and wisdom."
BMWHI's new CEO and conference MC, Joel Dalberger, captured the spirit of the event, noting,
"The energy in the room was positive, insightful, and engaged, as were the contributions from
online attendees. This conference marks the beginning of a renewed, collective effort to protect
and enhance our precious World Heritage Area, and we look forward to continuing this
important work."
In addition, with National Science Week being celebrated from 10 - 18 August, the event was
supported by Inspiring Australia, as part of a year long Regional Science Hub program being led
by BMWHI. Joel commented:
"A powerful and thought provoking day, highlighting the importance of driving impactful
research and science communication, which has solidified the need for a forum of this nature
ongoing into the future."
For further information and collaboration opportunities regarding the Research Prospectus and
its eight core themes - First Nations, Climate Change, Fire, Biodiversity & Heritage, Invasive
