Bulletin

Issue: May 2004

Environment

Barkindji Biosphere

La Trobe participates in UNESCO environmental project

La Trobe University is contributing to the creation of a 'Biosphere' Reserve near Mildura - a project that promises to benefit students, researchers of the University and Australia more generally.

Biospheres, created under terms set out by UNESCO, are defined as 'areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.'

The 'Barkindji Biosphere Reserve' is being established to 'demonstrate best practice land and water conservation and sustainable development in riverine and semi-arid zones, supported by internationally recognised research, accessible education programs and long-term employment opportunities for local Aboriginal people'.

It will be located near Buronga, New South Wales, just across the Murray River from Mildura, extending some 25 kilometres to the north and 75 kilometres to the west - an area of some 80,000 hectares.

La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham McDowell, a member of the Biosphere project team, said the inspiration for the creation of the Barkindji Biosphere Reserve came from Mr John Irwin, who recognised the potential to create a Biosphere reserve at Mildura, with the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens as its epicentre.

A long-term resident of Mildura and supporter of La Trobe University's Mildura campus, Mr Irwin is Finance Director of the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens at Dareton, just north of the Murray River from Mildura.

'The vision of Mr Irwin was to encapsulate the best of existing Biosphere reserves. All the raw ingredients were there to enhance the environment and in so doing embrace the many indigenous Australians who are descendants of the peoples who have inhabited the land in the Sunraysia area for centuries,' Professor McDowell said.

Organisations that have already signalled interest in working towards the creation of the Barkindji Biosphere Reserve for listing as a constituent of the UNESCO Man and the Environment Program include the Australian Inland Botanic Gardens, the Sunraysia/Mallee Economic Development Board, the Trust for Nature, Birds Australia, the Myer Foundation, Earthwatch Institute, Environment Australia, the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, local municipalities, representatives of the local Indigenous Community, La Trobe University and a number of commercial organisations.

A key to the success of the proposal is strong support from the Elders of the Barkindji Nation who have sanctioned the use of the term 'Barkindji'.

The project has attracted substantial 'seed funding' from the Premier of NSW and the Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage. This has been used to engage a consultant, Ms Catherine Brown, who is preparing the Biosphere's nomination to UNESCO, see website (www.barkindji biosphere.org) for further details.

Tracts of land from local station owners, as well as crown land make up the Biosphere. Ned's Corner - formerly one of the 'Kidman' properties and recently acquired by Trust for Nature - will become a significant component of the Biosphere.

The Biosphere contains many areas which are of conservation value for their natural flora and fauna. These range from wetlands, red-gum and black-box forests to Mallee landscapes, spinefax plains, salt lakes and sand dunes. Some areas are unique remnants of the most recent ice age. There are ancient Mallee gums, estimated to be 3,500 years old. Aboriginal people have lived in the area for some 40,000 years and there are several significant cultural and historical sites.

There is also a plethora of species of animals and plants, several of which are rare and endangered and which have habitats that are threatened.

Many businesses and industries are located in townships next to the Biosphere. These include irrigated viticulture and horticulture, vast areas of dry land cropping and grazing, eco and nature tourism, salt harvesting and mining.

'A key component of the Biosphere is research and education, and most areas of the University will be able to contribute to, and benefit from, the establishment of the Biosphere,' Professor McDowell said.

Opportunities include research for staff and research training for postgraduate scholars.

'The University already has links with the Lower Basin Laboratory of the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre which is located on our campus in Mildura. We also participate with the Riverlink Agencies through the Riverlink Postgraduate Research Network to foster postgraduate research.'

There are many opportunities for research in environmental science. For example, studies into water quality and water use are of vital importance to the Sunraysia.

There is a rich history and pre-history, embracing research into archaeology and anthropology. Other fertile areas for research include sociology, education, tourism and hospitality, land use, business, and health.

Professor McDowell stressed that La Trobe had the capacity to draw together partner universities from the group of Innovative Research Universities of Australia and the International Network of Universities.

'In doing so, we can help the Biosphere gain prominence both nationally and internationally, providing tangible benefits for the Sunraysia Community and La Trobe University,' he said.

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