Overview
Biodiversity Council is an independent Australian expert organisation established in 2022 by 11 Australian universities. It was created to promote evidence-based solutions to Australia’s biodiversity crisis and to strengthen public understanding of biodiversity loss and its social, environmental and economic implications. The organisation positions itself as a trusted source of expert knowledge for governments, businesses and communities.
Its mission is to encourage informed action that supports the protection and restoration of biodiversity and Country. Biodiversity Council brings together expertise from science, Indigenous knowledge, economics, law, policy and communications to address complex environmental challenges.
Mission and focus areas
Biodiversity Council focuses on improving understanding of biodiversity issues and advancing practical, evidence-based responses to biodiversity decline. Its work highlights the links between healthy ecosystems, economic resilience, human wellbeing and long-term sustainability. The organisation contributes to public debate, policy development and industry discussions relating to nature conservation and environmental stewardship.
The organisation’s areas of focus include biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, First Nations knowledge, ecological restoration, nature-related risk and sustainable decision-making. Its research and advocacy increasingly support discussions relevant to sustainable finance, including nature-related disclosures, biodiversity impacts within corporate activity and approaches to nature finance.
Structure and governance
Biodiversity Council operates as a registered Australian not-for-profit charity. It is supported by university partners and philanthropic foundations and is hosted through the University of Melbourne. Governance includes an advisory board, while its Biodiversity Councillors comprise experts from disciplines such as ecology, economics, law, Indigenous knowledge and public policy.
A small executive team manages organisational operations, stakeholder engagement, communications, fundraising and policy development. The organisation also works closely with researchers, First Nations experts and external partners.
Programs and offerings
Biodiversity Council produces research reports, policy submissions, webinars, public education resources and media commentary. Key outputs include analysis of biodiversity impacts associated with major Australian companies, policy responses to environmental consultations and resources explaining biodiversity trends and risks.
These resources help decision-makers, sustainability practitioners and finance professionals understand nature-related risks, biodiversity data and emerging policy developments. By translating scientific knowledge into accessible guidance, Biodiversity Council supports more informed environmental and sustainability-related decision-making across sectors.
Our mission is to be a trusted expert voice communicating accurate information on Australia’s most pressing biodiversity issues to the community, businesses and governments, to motivate effective evidence-based action to ensure biodiversity and Country prosper.
