People For Nature

Tag: biodiversity

  • Citizen COP Biodiversity Events 19-30 Oct (COP17)

    Citizen COP Biodiversity Events 19-30 Oct (COP17)

    The program is live — 38 citizen-led events across NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT, WA and online, running alongside COP17 Biological Diversity.

    No paid delivery team. No major grant behind it. Just citizens who decided this needed to exist — and 75+ supporting organisations who made it real.

    Start with one ticket that works wherever you are:

    Give Nature a Seat at the Table – Citizen COP 2026 (not matter where you are and when you join):

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/give-nature-a-seat-at-the-table-citizen-cop-2026

    Then explore the full 2-week program:

    19 OCT 2026

    • Outdoor Office Day(s) Australia – 19-23 October (nationwide) — A nationwide movement inviting individuals and organisations to bring more nature, movement and fresh air into their working day. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/outdoor-office-day-s-citizen-cop-2026

    • Growing Place – interactive public art experience (Melbourne, VIC) — A city-wide augmented-reality art trail revealing Indigenous plants and ecosystems across Melbourne.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/growing-place-interactive-public-art-experience-melbourne-citizen-cop-2026

    • Spring Street Wisdom WALKshop (online) — A guided online Street Wisdom walk inviting participants to step outside, slow down and reconnect with their environment. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/spring-reconnecting-walkshop

    • Giant Biodiversity Collage (Sydney,NSW) — A science-based, participatory workshop that helps people understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss — and how this connects our economies and our everyday choices.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/giant-biodiversity-collage-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Giant Biodiversity Collage (Brisbane, QLD) — A science-based, participatory workshop that helps people understand the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss — and how this connects our economies and our everyday choices.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/giant-biodiversity-collage-brisbane-citizen-cop-2026

    20 OCT 2026

    • Visioning Biophilic City Beyond NetZero (Sydney, NSW) —  A hands-on workshop bringing together academics, local government, developers and industry consultants to co-design a real biophilic city concept, grounded in an actual Australian site. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/visioning-biophilic-city-beyond-netzero-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • The Living Neighbourhood – How We Return to the Village (Online) — A permaculture-inspired conversation on designing neighbourhoods that strengthen biodiversity, food resilience and community.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/the-living-neighbourhood-how-we-return-to-the-village-online-citizen-cop-2026

    • Living Waters: From Harbour Crisis to Climate Action (North Sydney, NSW) — Launch of the Sydney Living Waters Lab, connecting research, industry and community in nature-based responses to climate change.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/living-waters-from-harbour-crisis-to-climate-action-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Local biodiversity in the spotlight: connecting people, places and species (Brisbane, QLD) — A biodiversity talk and guided walk linking historical records with citizen science at Griffith’s Nathan campus. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/local-biodiversity-in-the-spotlight-connecting-people-places-and-species-brisbane-citizen-cop-2026

    • Intergenerational by Nature: Embedding Youth in Nature Policy in Australia (Sydney, NSW) — Launch of Australia’s first youth nature network, exploring young people’s role in national and global nature policy. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/intergenerational-by-nature-embedding-youth-in-nature-policy-in-australia-online-citizen-cop-2026

    21 OCT 2026

    • Nature Studio: Connect and Create (Parkville, VIC) — A relaxed drop-in session exploring biodiversity through drawing, journalling and other simple creative activities. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/nature-studio-connect-and-create-melbourne-citizen-cop-2026

    • Masterclass on Forest Therapy: Reconnecting with Nature for Health (Online) — An evidence-based online masterclass on Forest Therapy (Shinrin-Yoku) and its benefits for health and wellbeing. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/masterclass-on-forest-therapy-reconnecting-with-nature-for-health-geelong-citizen-cop-2026

    22 OCT 2026

    • Climate Fresk UQ (Brisbane, QLD) — A Climate Fresk card-game workshop exploring the causes and solutions to climate change, hosted at UQ St Lucia. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/giant-climate-fresk-uq-citizen-cop-2026

    • Co-working & Networking Outdoors (Sydney, NSW) — A relaxed outdoor co-working day inviting people to bring their laptop and work alongside others in a greener setting. 

    —  Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/co-working-and-networking-outdoors-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Conservation Conflict and Consensus: Finding Common Ground on Introduced Species (Sydney (UTS), NSW) — A research-based session exploring how conservationists can navigate disagreement over introduced species management. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/conservation-conflict-and-consensus-finding-common-ground-on-introduced-species-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • From Citizen Ideas to Visible Action with LOMA (Local Matters) (Online) — A webinar introducing LOMA, a civic participation platform that keeps Citizen COP ideas visible and actioned after events end. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/from-citizen-ideas-to-visible-action-with-loma-online-citizen-cop-2026

    23 OCT 2026

    • People, Planet, Pastry – Sustainability Meetup (Gold Coast, QLD) — A casual meetup for people working in or curious about biodiversity and sustainability to share local stories and ideas. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/people-planet-pastry-sustainability-meetup-gold-coast-citizen-cop-2026

    24 OCT 2026

    • Bite by Bite: Supporting Biodiversity Through Everyday Food Choices (Brisbane, QLD) — A hands-on plant-based cooking workshop linking everyday food choices to biodiversity and community resilience. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/bite-by-bite-supporting-biodiversity-through-everyday-food-choices-brisbane-citizen-cop-2026

    • Biodiversity & Pollinator-Friendly Gardening Workshop (Findon, SA) — A practical workshop on gardening for native pollinators and biodiversity in backyards, courtyards and balconies. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/biodiversity-and-pollinator-friendly-gardening-workshop-adelaide-citizen-cop-2026

    • Film screening – ‘Malleefowl’ & ‘The Plastic Country’ (St Kilda, VIC) — A double-feature environmental documentary screening with afternoon tea, covering malleefowl conservation and plastic pollution. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/film-screening-malleefowl-and-the-plastic-country-port-phillip-citizen-cop-2026

    25 OCT 2026

    • Citizen COP Bird Walk (Canberra, ACT) — A gentle bird walk exploring local birdlife, biodiversity decline and cultural responsibilities to care for Country. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/bird-walk-canberra-citizen-cop-2026

    • Places That Matter: A Redlands Conversation on Biodiversity (Redlands, QLD) — A community conversation on growth, development pressure and protecting biodiversity-rich places in the Redlands. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/places-that-matter-a-redlands-conversation-on-biodiversity-citizen-cop-2026

    • Climate Fresk (Perth, WA) — An internationally acclaimed, science-based workshop that turns complex climate science into a fun, interactive game. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/giant-climate-fresk-perth-citizen-cop-2026

    • Solve The Biodiversity Puzzle & Help Restore Nature (Brisbane, QLD) — A fun, family-friendly morning celebrating biodiversity and taking action for nature. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/solve-the-biodiversity-puzzle-and-help-restore-nature-brisbane-citizen-cop-2026

    26 OCT 2026

    • Creating Systems Change to Support Nature (Sydney, NSW) — An interactive workshop applying eco-centrism and the Three Horizons framework to build actions that create systems change for nature. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/creating-systems-change-to-support-nature-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Could Car Parks Become Hubs for Biodiversity? (Online) — An online lecture exploring research on turning car parks into joined-up, biodiverse green spaces in cities. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/could-car-parks-become-hubs-for-biodiversity-online-citizen-cop-2026

    27 OCT 2026

    • Repair and Swap @ UoN (Newcastle, NSW) — A clothes-swap and repair café for University of Newcastle students and staff, giving pre-loved items a second life. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/repair-and-swap-uon-newcastle-citizen-cop-2026

    • Leadership on the Edge from Antarctica (Sydney, NSW) — A talk on courage, resilience and leadership drawn from 15+ years travelling to Antarctica, the Arctic and the Amazon.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/leadership-on-the-edge-from-antarctica-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Backyard Biodiversity Safara with Permaculture Australia (Online) — A relaxed online session on noticing and supporting the biodiversity already present in backyards and balconies. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/backyard-biodiversity-safara-with-permaculture-australia-online-citizen-cop-2026

    28 OCT 2026

    • Gardens for Wildlife Speaker Series (Online) — An online speaker session on habitat gardening and caring for wildlife in backyards, with a network of habitat gardeners. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/gardens-for-wildlife-speaker-series-online-citizen-cop-2026

    • Biodiversity: The Next Frontier for Finance (Melbourne, VIC) — A webinar with Australian and international experts on including biodiversity in sustainable finance and markets.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/biodiversity-the-next-frontier-for-finance-online-citizen-cop-2026

    • Tim Winton’s ‘Coral’s Last Stand’ Film Showing (Chapel Hill, QLD) — A film screening with refreshments and discussion on the threats facing Australia’s coral reefs. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/coral-s-last-stand-film-screening-brisbane-citizen-cop-2026

    29 OCT 2026

    • Small Steps Biodiversity Panel and Workshop (Sydney, NSW) — A panel of community doers followed by a Biodiversity Collage workshop, showing how small actions can reverse biodiversity loss. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/small-steps-biodiversity-panel-discussion-and-workshop-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    • Turning the Tide on the Cooks River – Stories of Community, Regeneration and Wild Hope (Hurlstone Park, NSW) — A conversation on river and community regeneration along the Cooks River, featuring Finding Nature, Regen Sydney and Wild Hope. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/turning-the-tide-on-the-cooks-river-sydney-citizen-cop-2026

    30 OCT 2026

    • Effective Climate Conversations Training (Online) — An online workshop teaching the skills to have productive, confident climate conversations and counter doomism or denial. 

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/effective-climate-conversations-training-online-citizen-cop-2026

    SUPPORT CITIZEN COP

    Citizen COP National raffle – October 19 – November 20 (nationwide) — Citizen COP is built on citizen power, independence, and imagination. This national raffle is one of the creative ways we are building financial independence for Citizen COP.

    — Book your ticket: https://events.humanitix.com/citizen-cop-national-raffle-2026

  • Meet the Finger Lime (Citrus australasica)

    Meet the Finger Lime (Citrus australasica)

    Often called the “caviar of the bush”, the Finger Lime is one of Australia’s most unique native foods, prized for its vibrant citrus flavour and distinctive pearl-like juice vesicles.

    Native to the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales, this remarkable plant has been used by Aboriginal Australians for food and medicine for generations and is now celebrated by chefs around the world.

    It is a powerful example of the rich biodiversity and cultural knowledge found within Australia’s native landscapes.

    Why it matters

    The Finger Lime contributes to both ecological and cultural diversity.

    🐜 It provides food and habitat for a range of native insects and animals

    🌲 It forms part of Australia’s unique rainforest ecosystems

    🍋‍🟩 It represents an important native bushfood with deep cultural significance

    🌱 It highlights the value of conserving native plants and traditional ecological knowledge

    As interest in sustainable and locally sourced foods grows, native species such as the Finger Lime demonstrate the potential of Australia’s unique flora.

    Fun facts

    🤓 Finger Limes are often called “caviar of the bush” because their tiny juice pearls resemble caviar

    🤓 They have been used by Aboriginal Australians for food and medicine for thousands of years

    🤓 The fruit is rich in vitamin C, folate and antioxidants

    🤓 Finger Limes occur in a range of colours, from green and yellow through to pink and red

    A deeper reflection

    The Finger Lime reminds us that biodiversity is not only something to admire, but also something that can nourish and sustain communities.

    Native bushfoods connect people to place, culture and ecosystems, offering valuable insights into sustainable food systems that have evolved over thousands of years.

    Yet many native plant communities continue to face pressures from habitat loss, invasive species and environmental change.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the Finger Lime highlights the importance of protecting both biodiversity and the cultural knowledge associated with it.

    Supporting native species and Indigenous-led conservation helps ensure these connections endure for future generations.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate, and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)

    References

    Australian Native Food & Botanicals. Finger Lime (Citrus australasica). https://anfab.org.au/main.asp?_=Finger+Lime 

    Australian National Botanic Gardens. Citrus australasica. https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp1/citrus-australasica.html

    Photo credit: Suburban Tomato and The Tree Center.

  • Meet the Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes)

    Meet the Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes)

    With its distinctive upright crest, shimmering wing patches and unmistakable whistling take-off, the Crested Pigeon is one of Australia’s most recognisable and charismatic native birds.

    Found across much of mainland Australia, this adaptable species has become a familiar sight in parks, gardens and open woodlands, earning a reputation as the ‘punk rocker’ of the bird world.

    It is a reminder that some of Australia’s most fascinating wildlife can be found right outside our front doors.

    Why it matters

    The Crested Pigeon plays an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems.

    🌱 It feeds primarily on seeds, helping to maintain the balance of native plant communities

    🦅 It forms part of the food web, supporting native birds of prey and other predators

    🐦 It contributes to the rich diversity of birdlife found across Australia’s landscapes

    🏡 Its presence demonstrates how some native species can successfully adapt to changing environments

    Even common backyard birds play an important role in keeping ecosystems healthy and connected.

    Fun facts

    🤓 The Crested Pigeon is the only Australian pigeon with a tall, pointed crest

    🤓 Its wings produce a distinctive whistling sound when it takes flight, which can alert other birds to danger

    🤓 Iridescent feathers on its wings shimmer with flashes of green and purple in the sunlight

    🤓 It has adapted well to urban environments and is commonly seen in towns, cities and rural areas

    A deeper reflection

    The Crested Pigeon reminds us that biodiversity is not confined to national parks and remote wilderness.

    Native birds are an important part of everyday life, connecting people with nature in suburbs, parks and backyards across Australia.

    As urban areas continue to grow, creating and protecting habitat becomes increasingly important to ensure birds have access to food, shelter and nesting sites.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the Crested Pigeon shows how even familiar wildlife contributes to the richness and resilience of Australia’s ecosystems.

    Small actions, such as planting native vegetation and reducing pesticide use, can help native birds continue to thrive alongside our communities.

    Photo credit: deborod, iNaturalist.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)

    References

    BirdLife Australia. Crested Pigeon.
    BirdLife Australia – Crested Pigeon

    Australian Museum. Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes).
    Australian Museum – Crested Pigeon

  • Meet the Sea Fan Coral (Gorgonia ventalina)

    Meet the Sea Fan Coral (Gorgonia ventalina)

    Gracefully swaying with ocean currents, the Sea Fan Coral is one of the reef’s most striking inhabitants, creating intricate, fan-shaped structures that resemble delicate underwater lace.

    Found in tropical marine environments, these remarkable corals provide far more than beauty, forming complex habitats that shelter and support a diverse array of marine life.

    They are a reminder that healthy coral reefs depend on countless species working together to create thriving underwater ecosystems.

    Why it matters

    Sea Fan Corals play an important role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems.

    🐠 Their branching structures provide shelter for fish, crustaceans and other marine animals

    🪸 They increase the complexity of reef habitats, supporting greater biodiversity

    🌊 They contribute to the overall health and resilience of coral reef ecosystems

    🐚 They help create the rich underwater environments that sustain countless marine species

    By creating habitat for other organisms, Sea Fan Corals help support the extraordinary biodiversity found on Australia’s reefs.

    Fun facts

    🤓 Sea Fan Corals grow in broad, fan-shaped colonies that move gently with ocean currents

    🤓 Their intricate branches provide refuge for a wide range of marine life

    🤓 They occur in a variety of vibrant colours, adding to the beauty of coral reef ecosystems

    🤓 Despite their plant-like appearance, Sea Fan Corals are colonies of tiny animals called polyps

    A deeper reflection

    The Sea Fan Coral reminds us that healthy reefs are built on connection.

    Every coral colony provides food, shelter and habitat for countless other species, creating intricate ecosystems that support life both above and below the water.

    Yet coral reefs are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, sediment runoff and coral bleaching, placing immense pressure on these delicate environments.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the Sea Fan Coral highlights the importance of protecting the ecosystems that support Australia’s extraordinary marine biodiversity.

    Safeguarding our reefs today will help ensure future generations can continue to experience the vibrant underwater worlds they create.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    Photo credit: zahnerphoto, iNaturalist.

    References

    Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Corals and coral reefs.
    Great Barrier Reef Foundation – Corals and coral reefs

    Australian Institute of Marine Science. Coral reefs.
    Australian Institute of Marine Science – Coral reefs

  • Meet the Anemone Stinkhorn (Aseroe rubra)

    Meet the Anemone Stinkhorn (Aseroe rubra)

    With its bright red tentacles and unusual star-shaped appearance, the Anemone Stinkhorn is one of Australia’s most eye-catching fungi and looks more like a sea creature than a mushroom.

    Native to Australia, this remarkable fungus often appears in gardens, forests and mulch after rain, where its vibrant colours make it difficult to miss.

    It is a reminder that fungi are among the most fascinating and overlooked forms of biodiversity.

    Why it matters

    The Anemone Stinkhorn plays an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems.

    ♻️ It helps break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the environment

    ❤️‍🩹 It contributes to soil health through the decomposition process

    🍄 It forms part of the complex fungal networks that support ecosystem function

    🌱 It highlights the often-overlooked importance of fungi in maintaining biodiversity

    Without fungi such as the Anemone Stinkhorn, many natural systems would struggle to recycle nutrients efficiently.

    Fun facts

    🤓 The Anemone Stinkhorn is native to Australia

    🤓 Its bright red tentacles give it a distinctive starfish-like appearance

    🤓 It is commonly found growing in mulch, gardens and forested areas after rain

    🤓 Its unusual smell helps attract insects, which assist with spore dispersal

    A deeper reflection

    The Anemone Stinkhorn challenges the idea that biodiversity is limited to plants and animals.

    Fungi are essential to life on Earth, yet they often receive far less attention than the species we can easily see and recognise.

    By breaking down organic matter and supporting nutrient cycling, fungi quietly sustain the ecosystems that countless other species depend upon.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, the Anemone Stinkhorn reminds us that biodiversity includes an extraordinary hidden world beneath our feet.

    Protecting habitats means protecting not only the plants and animals we love, but also the fungi that help keep ecosystems healthy and resilient.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate, and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    Photo credit: iNaturalist

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)

    References

    Australian National Botanic Gardens. Aseroe rubra (Anemone Stinkhorn). https://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/aseroe-rubra.html 

    FungiMap. Australian fungi and their ecological importance.https://fungimap.org.au

  • Meet the Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii)

    Meet the Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii)

    With its distinctive laughing call and remarkable climbing ability, Peron’s Tree Frog is one of Australia’s most charismatic amphibians and a familiar visitor to gardens, forests and wetlands across eastern Australia.

    Its green-grey colouring and ability to cling to branches, rocks and even windows make it a fascinating species that often appears after rain or on warm evenings.

    It is a reminder that some of Australia’s most important wildlife is active long after the sun goes down.

    Why it matters

    Peron’s Tree Frog plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

    🦟 It helps control insect populations by feeding on mosquitoes and other invertebrates

    🌿 It forms an important part of the food web, providing prey for birds, reptiles and mammals

    🌏 Its sensitivity to environmental change makes it an important indicator of ecosystem health

    💧 Healthy frog populations often reflect healthy waterways and surrounding habitats

    As environmental indicators, frogs provide valuable insights into the condition of the ecosystems we all depend upon.

    Fun facts

    🤓 Peron’s Tree Frog is well known for its distinctive call, often described as sounding like a laugh

    🤓 It has specialised toe pads that allow it to climb smooth surfaces with ease

    🤓 Its colouring can vary from green-grey to brown, helping it blend into its surroundings

    🤓 It is commonly found around gardens, dams, forests and wetlands throughout eastern Australia

    A deeper reflection

    Peron’s Tree Frog reminds us that even common species can tell us a great deal about the health of our environment.

    Amphibians are among the world’s most threatened vertebrates, with more than 40 per cent of species considered at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and climate change.

    Their permeable skin makes them particularly sensitive to changes in water quality and environmental conditions.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, Peron’s Tree Frog highlights why protecting biodiversity also means protecting clean waterways, healthy habitats and the delicate ecological relationships that sustain life.

    Creating frog-friendly spaces and reducing pollution can make a meaningful difference for these remarkable amphibians.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)

    Photo credit: boogman, iNaturalist.

    References

    Australian Museum. Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii).
    Australian Museum – Peron’s Tree Frog

    FrogID. Peron’s Tree Frog.
    FrogID – Peron’s Tree Frog

  • Meet the Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea | Biodiverse Australia

    Meet the Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea | Biodiverse Australia

    Hidden among decaying leaf litter in the rainforests of northern New South Wales is one of Australia’s most remarkable fungi, a tiny blue mushroom so unusual that it was only recognised by science in 2012.

    Discovered by nature photographer Stephen Axford, Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea quickly captured attention for its vivid blue colouring and became a reminder of how much of Australia’s biodiversity remains undocumented.

    It is proof that even today, entirely new species are waiting to be discovered.

    Why it matters

    Fungi play an essential role in keeping ecosystems healthy and functioning.

    🪱 They break down dead plant material and recycle nutrients back into the soil

    ♻️ They support forest health by contributing to nutrient cycling and dcomposition

    🕸️ They help sustain the complex relationships that underpin biodiversity

    👀 They remind us that many of the most important species in nature are often overlooked

    Although small and rarely seen, fungi such as Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea are part of the hidden processes that keep ecosystems alive.

    Fun facts

    🤓 Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea is a small blue mushroom found only rarely in Australia. 

    🤓 Unlike many related fungi, it produces pale spores rather than the dark spores common within its genus

    🤓 Its fruiting bodies enclose spores in a truffle-like structure rarely seen in related species

    🤓 Its fruiting bodies are extremely short-lived and can sometimes dissolve into liquid as they age, much like the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

    Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea. Photo by Steve Axford at Tara Ridge, Booyong, New South Wales. CC BY-SA 3.0.

    A deeper reflection

    The discovery of Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea challenges the assumption that we already know most of the species that share our planet.

    Scientists estimate there may be as many as 250,000 fungal species in Australia, yet fewer than 12,000 have been formally described.

    This means the overwhelming majority of Australia’s fungi remain unnamed and largely unexplored.

    In a country with more than 600,000 native species, many found nowhere else on Earth, discoveries such as Coprinopsis pulchricaerulea remind us that biodiversity is not just something from the past, but something we are still uncovering today.

    How we protect forests, rainforests and other natural habitats will determine whether many of these hidden species are ever known at all.

    From Wonder to Action

    Learn & understand

    Explore how biodiversity, climate, and land systems are deeply connected through our workshops with People For Nature.

    Create your Nature Oasis

    Plant native species to restore habitat and support the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them.

    Join citizen science

    Record native species around you on iNaturalist and contribute to real conservation data.

    (Special thanks to Simon Andrews, Ambassador for People For Nature, for helping shape this story)

    References:

    FungiMap Inc. Fungi of Australia.

    https://fungimap.org.au

    Australian National Herbarium, Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research. Australian National Species Lists.

    https://www.anbg.gov.au/cpbr/ANSL/index.html

  • Meet our ambassador: Mandy Chan

    Meet our ambassador: Mandy Chan

    Climate Fresk Facilitator, NSW

    Mandy started her Climate Fresk journey at her current workplace, Airbus, in May 2024. She decided to become a facilitator herself as she felt she could do more to expand climate literacy within her company and among the general public.

    As a facilitator within her company, Mandy admits it can be challenging to stay up to date with two sets of materials: one pack of Climate Fresk cards focusing on the aviation industry, and one for the general public. At the same time, she is excited about the number of people her workshops can reach.

    I believe that increasing climate literacy in Australia is incredibly important. By being a part of People For Nature, I’m able to reach more people from all walks of life.

    Mandy joined People For Nature as an ambassador and is excited to continue spreading climate education among everyday citizens, and within her workplace.

    I’m excited to be a part of People For Nature, as we not only work on climate education but also advocate biodiversity conservation and rescue activities for our precious native wildlife.

    🤝  Connect with Mandy on LinkedIn. 💚

  • Your Nature Oasis is a citizen science hotspot

    Your Nature Oasis is a citizen science hotspot

    Why People For Nature encourages every Oasis to use iNaturalist

    At People For Nature, we believe that protecting nature starts with connection — and that everyday people play a vital role in restoring and understanding the living world around them.

    That’s why we encourage everyone creating a Nature Oasis to use iNaturalist: a simple, joyful way to turn your patch of nature into a living contribution to science.

    What is iNaturalist?

    iNaturalist is a free app that allows you to photograph plants, animals and fungi, upload your observations, and help build one of the world’s largest biodiversity databases.

    Your sightings don’t just stay on your phone — they become real data, used by scientists, conservation groups and decision-makers to better understand biodiversity and how it’s changing.

    Why iNaturalist belongs in every Nature Oasis

    Nature Oases are designed to restore habitat, invite biodiversity back, and reconnect people with the natural world. iNaturalist helps make those changes visible.

    By using the app, you can:

    • 🌿 see what species are already present in your Oasis
    • 🐝 track pollinators, birds and other wildlife as habitat improves
    • 📈 observe changes over time as your Oasis grows and matures
    • 🧩 contribute valuable local data to national and global research

    Every observation strengthens the case for nature-positive action — starting right where you live.

    Citizen science that’s genuinely fun

    You don’t need to be a scientist. You don’t need special equipment.
    All you need is curiosity.

    Using iNaturalist often feels like:

    • a nature scavenger hunt
    • a shared learning experience with kids, friends or neighbours
    • a moment of wonder when you realise how much life is around you

    And the iNaturalist community is there to help identify species, answer questions and celebrate discoveries with you.

    From individual Oases to collective impact

    One Nature Oasis matters.
    Thousands of Nature Oases? That’s a movement.

    When many People For Nature participants use iNaturalist, we begin to:

    • build a clearer picture of biodiversity across communities
    • support citizen-led conservation and monitoring
    • strengthen Australia’s contribution to global biodiversity knowledge
    • show that people power can make nature visible — and valued

    This is climate and biodiversity action grounded in place, care and participation.

    How to get started

    1. Download iNaturalist (free on iOS and Android)
    2. Step into your Nature Oasis
    3. Photograph what you see — plants, insects, birds, fungi
    4. Upload your observation and let the community help identify it

    That’s it. You’re now part of a global citizen science network — through People For Nature.

    Because every Nature Oasis tells a story.
    And with iNaturalist, we can make sure those stories count.

  • COP30: what did it really deliver for nature – and why it matters for Australia

    COP30: what did it really deliver for nature – and why it matters for Australia

    Held in Belém, at the gateway to the Amazon, COP30 was widely framed as “the COP of nature”. Expectations were high: forests, biodiversity, food systems and Indigenous stewardship were meant to sit at the heart of climate action. The reality was more mixed.

    So what actually came out of COP30 for nature — and what does it mean for Australia?

    Nature recognised, but not prioritised

    The main outcome of COP30 was the Global mutirão (meaning “collective effort”), which highlights the need to better connect climate action with biodiversity, land and ocean protection. The language is strong: nature is clearly recognised as essential to achieving the Paris Agreement goals.

    But recognition didn’t translate into concrete commitments. Despite being hosted in the world’s most biodiverse country, no specific global action or dedicated funding for halting deforestation was agreed — a major missed opportunity given forests’ critical role in climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity protection.

    For Australia, a country facing accelerating land clearing, ecosystem collapse and species extinction, this gap is particularly concerning.

    Deforestation: words without a roadmap

    More than 90 countries supported the idea of a global roadmap to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030. However, consensus wasn’t reached, and the proposal was pushed outside the formal UN process.

    While Brazil signalled it would continue working on a deforestation roadmap ahead of COP31, there is still no binding global pathway. For Australia — one of the world’s deforestation hotspots — this reinforces the need for stronger domestic action, not just international rhetoric.

    Food systems and agriculture: progress delayed

    Agriculture and food systems were discussed under the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture, with growing recognition of:

    • the links between food systems and biodiversity
    • agroecology and regenerative approaches
    • the limited share of climate finance going to agriculture

    But disagreements over language meant no final decision was adopted, pushing outcomes to 2026. For Australia, where climate impacts on food security are already being felt, this delay matters.

    Growing momentum on climate–nature synergies

    One of the more positive signals from COP30 was the increasing focus on aligning climate, biodiversity and land agendas. New initiatives launched during the COP aim to better coordinate the three Rio Conventions (climate, biodiversity, desertification), improve policy coherence, and track nature-positive action and finance.

    This aligns strongly with Australia’s own commitments under the Global Biodiversity Framework and its national climate targets — but only if translated into joined-up policies and investment at home.

    Nature finance: promising ideas, familiar risks

    The launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) — a new fund designed to reward countries for protecting tropical forests — signalled growing interest in nature-positive finance. While innovative, it also raised concerns around greenwashing, equity, and whether funds will genuinely reach ecosystems and Indigenous communities.

    For Australia, this highlights a broader challenge: scaling nature finance without losing integrity, while ensuring public funding also plays a strong role.

    What COP30 means for Australia

    COP30 reinforced a clear message: nature is finally being talked about — but still not acted on at scale.

    For Australia, the implications are clear:

    • Climate and biodiversity can no longer be treated separately
    • Land clearing, ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions must be central to climate policy
    • International leadership must be matched by credible domestic action

    With COP31 on the horizon and global attention increasingly on nature, the real test will be whether Australia turns alignment into action — for climate, for biodiversity, and for future generations.

    Conclusion

    In a year when nature was meant to finally take centre stage at the global climate talks, COP30 delivered important recognition — but fell short on concrete actions that match the scale of the interlinked climate and biodiversity crises. For Australia, the outcomes underscore the urgency of moving beyond dialogue to ambitious policy, funding and on-the-ground implementation that protects ecosystems, supports First Nations leadership, and integrates nature into our national climate response.

    That’s exactly why we organised AlterCOP30 — to ensure that all Australians, especially those whose voices are too often excluded from formal climate and biodiversity negotiations, were heard and included in these critical discussions. By bringing together citizens, community leaders, scientists and storytellers, AlterCOP30 created space for perspectives, values and solutions that reflect Australia’s unique landscapes and communities.

    We’re grateful to Ateliers Biodiversité for their detailed insights on the outcomes of COP30 — their analysis helped shape our thinking and reporting. You can read their original piece here: https://www.ateliersbiodiversite.org/post/cop30-climat-quelles-retomb%C3%A9es-pour-la-nature.

    As the global climate and biodiversity agenda continues to evolve, it’s up to all of us — at local, national and international levels — to demand that commitments translate into action. Australia’s nature depends on it.