Collaboration to boost plant conservation

14/9/07
A new collaboration between the State Government and The University of Western Australia (UWA) is expected to significantly boost the understanding and conservation of our native plants.
Environment Minister David Templeman today announced that the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) had signed a memorandum of understanding with UWA to share funding for two positions in the University's School of Plant Biology and the WA Herbarium.
He said the partnership marked the beginning of sharing resources to ensure greater efficiencies in scientific research.
"It is amazing to see the scientific research that is currently being undertaken throughout the State, to understand our native wildlife and the different means being trialled and employed to assist in their preservation," Mr Templeman said.
"WA has a diversity and richness of flora that is world-renowned, including more than 12,500 species of flowering plants, 300 species of mosses, perhaps 140,000 species of fungi and 7,500 species of algae.
"These figures are just estimates, however, because even today in the 21st century, we think there are something like 3,000 species of flowering plants alone that are still waiting to be scientifically described.
"Research is the backbone of conservation work, and collaborations like this will ensure that WA continues to be at the forefront of plant conservation biology."
The Minister said that by combining forces, UWA and DEC were able to fund two shared positions in the specialised field of plant biology, including taxonomy.
"Partnerships with institutions such as UWA highlight the co-operation and respect that is shared among scientists," he said.
"It also demonstrates the commitment the State Government has in working with the community to achieve long-term sustainable outcomes.
"This partnership will play an important role in facilitating a greater number of research projects in WA and will be an excellent example for similar collaborations in other areas."
Mr Templeman said the partnership would not only significantly contribute to DEC and UWA's research, it would also benefit students.
"Part of the agreement is that in addition to undertaking scientific research at DEC, the positions also include lecturing third and fourth year students and overseeing postgraduate students in the field of plant conservation biology," he said.
"This is yet another example of how the Carpenter Government is acting now for the future to ensure our precious environment is appreciated, protected and preserved."
Minister's Office - 9220 5050