Riding the wave to formalise the Melanesian Bio-Cultural Network
Launching the Melanesian Biocultural Network as an Indigenous-led regional platform to advance biodiversity conservation through cultural governance and traditional ecological knowledge.
Research Cluster
Healthy Country, Healthy Communities, Healthy People
Research partners
Kunua Conservation Network (Bougainville); Baru Conservation Alliance (Solomon Islands); Piku Biodiversity Network (PNG); Gardiens Des Îles (New Caledonia); Autonomous Bougainville Government; Pacific Academy of Science; Oceania Institute; Indigenous Knowledge Institute
Project team
Dr Tyrone Lavery (Lead CI, School of BioSciences), Dr Jeff Noro (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science), Prof Jon Barnett (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Science), A/Prof Debra McDougall (School of Social and Political Sciences)
Contact
Project summary
Melanesia is home to two global biodiversity and cultural hotspots. Building on momentum from the 2024 'Tambu Symposium' at the University of Melbourne and the 2025 International Congress for Conservation Biology, this project will formally establish and launch the Melanesian Biocultural Network (MBcN). The network will be housed within the University of Melbourne as an Indigenous-led regional platform connecting community leaders, policymakers, and academics to advance biodiversity conservation through cultural governance and traditional ecological knowledge.
What are we interested in?
Melanesia comprises two global biodiversity and cultural hotspots. Cultural governance and traditional ecological knowledge are essential to effectively address biodiversity loss and climate change in the region, yet Indigenous-led approaches need stronger institutional platforms to scale their impact and influence regional and international biodiversity agendas.
The goals of our project
To formally establish the Melanesian Biocultural Network as an Indigenous-led platform for biodiversity governance; bring together community leaders from across Melanesia to shape governance structures and strategic priorities; and create linkages across MBI, Oceania Institute, and Indigenous Knowledge Institute.
Outcomes / activities
- Workshop in Melbourne with community leaders from New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Bougainville
- Formal launch of MBcN at the University of Melbourne; White Paper establishing the MBcN framework
- Five-year strategic plan co-designed by community leaders and researchers; two peer-reviewed publications
- Melanesia Bio-Cultural Network website