Professor Justin Borevitz ‘Precision Landscape Regeneration’ - POSTPONED

This talk has been postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown. New arrangements will be announced as soon as they are known.

Justin, Professor in the ANU Research School of Biology Center of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, will introduce the components of precision landscape regeneration and the outsized role Australia can have in the world. Landscape Genomics methods in Eucalyptus foundation species re-build agro-ecosystems and boosting soil carbon with microbes and management. Integrating and scaling these land-based solutions can build planetary health and resilience.

Abstract

Agriculture and ecosystems are tipping toward collapse due to land use and climate extremes. Irreversible feedbacks in the land system can lock in food insecurity, biodiversity loss and a hot house world. However, regenerating agro-ecosystems is possible and can be profitable. It will take human labour and ingenuity on the scale not seen since the recovery from last global depression. Fortunately, we have the technological capacity to map, measure and model the problems and the solutions at a local (farm) scale where direct action can have impact on land and livelihoods. In this talk, I will introduce the components of precision landscape regeneration, linking genotype, phenotype and environment, and the outsized role Australia can have in the world. I will then present Landscape Genomics methods in Eucalyptus foundation species to rebuild agro-ecosystems. Finally, I will present methods for boosting soil carbon with microbes and management. Integrating and scaling these land-based solutions can build planetary health and resilience.

Biography

Professor Justin Borevitz leads a grand challenge project - Land Based Carbon Drawdown to Enhance the Earth System and researches the genetic basis of climate adaptation in woodland foundation species for restoration and regeneration.

This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette.

Bookings are essential because of the COVID-19 guidelines related to the Thursday Talks and limited seating (tickets are free). Bookings will open on the Friday before the talk; they will close on the following Wednesday night or when seating limits are reached.

Click to book.

Please be aware that COVID-19 outbreaks and isolation requirements are subject to change at short notice.

Please ensure that:
- You have not been in a hotspot or prohibited area before attending Thursday Talks.
- You do not attend if you are feeling unwell.

Tickets are limited, please notify us if you are unable to come on 0437 298 711 or 0407 299 704.