Water for People and Nature

Research Themes

Water for People and Nature

Our research examines how people connect with blue space, from rivers and lakes to coasts and oceans. We explore how these connections influence support for sustainable urban water management, waterway protection, and marine conservation, and investigate strategies to promote effective water stewardship.

The Faculty of Science (SENV) is a key partner in the newly successful $22.4M ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Climate Resilient Water. Led by Professor Steve Kenway, the Centre will be working at the intersection of interdisciplinary science and industry priority.

This project was a collaborative initiative designed to improve community understanding of the water cycle and its impact on the Great Barrier Reef. By integrating social science with local government engagement, the project established baseline levels of water literacy and developed targeted communication strategies to foster more sustainable water use and protection behaviours.

Understanding People and Nature

Research That Makes a Difference

We explore how people connect with the environment from urban green spaces to ocean reefs, and develop strategies to promote conservation stewardship and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Through citizen science, community partnerships, and innovative communication strategies, we’re working to strengthen the connections between people and nature for lasting conservation impact.