Through TierraMar, we support governments and non-government organisations in Australia and across the region to achieve transformational change on the pressing challenges of sustainable development, climate change and biodiversity loss.
In Australia we’re currently working with our colleagues at the Invasive Species Council to prepare a technical document and advocacy report for the conservation of threatened species on islands. Invasive pests and weeds are the main cause of the loss and extinction of biodiversity on islands. The report will be published in mid-2025 and will outline the need for a national fund to support invasive species eradications on Australian islands to protect biodiversity.
In the Pacific region, we are developing an ecosystem profile for the East Melanesian Islands (Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and the Islands Region of PNG). The profile will describe the region in detail and put forward a strategy for major funding of conservation projects. In addition, we are also developing a proposal to fund a major program in Solomon Islands to help the people and their natural resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
While in Timor-Leste, we are reviewing the progress of a major program to support sustainable fisheries and livelihoods of fishing communities. Timor-Leste is one of the poorest countries in the world and local communities are heavily dependent on fishing and aquaculture. It is our hope that this program can help alleviate some of this poverty by providing sustainable employment opportunities.
Photo credit: Fisher, Timor-Leste, Anissa Lawrence, 2025