Brisbane Biodiversity Forum - The Importance of Biodiversity - Urban Forestry and Threatened Species in Brisbane and Kobe, Japan 2025

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Join the first international Brisbane Biodiversity Forum, either online or in-person, for an informative evening, with our guest-speakers. Special guests from Brisbane’s sister city, Kobe, Japan. Restoring Natural Forest Vegetation - Mayor Hisamoto and Dr Ishii Hiroaki, with panellist Mr Okada Atsushi The Honourable Hisamoto Kizo was first elected as the Mayor of Kobe in November 2013 and is currently serving his third consecutive term. Mayor Hisamoto puts great emphasis on climate consciousness, sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Professor Ishii received his Ph.D. in Ecosystem Analysis, and his research interests include forest community ecology, conservation, restoration and management of urban forests, and physiological ecology of urban trees. Together, the officials from Japan will be presenting on Urban Forest Restoration: How can we restore natural forest vegetation in urban/peri-urban landscapes. Building Resilient Koala Populations - Dr Sean Fitzgibbon Dr Sean Fitzgibbon from the University of Queensland presents groundbreaking research on koala conservation in Brisbane, focusing on reversing disease impacts and restoring populations. In partnership with Brisbane City Council, UQ successfully rehabilitated a Chlamydia-affected koala population at Belmont Hills Reserve. Now, the Building Resilient Koala Populations Project expands these efforts to Bayside Parklands and Brisbane Koala Bushlands—critical habitats within the Koala Coast. Supported by an $800,000 funding agreement, this ambitious project aims to rebuild Brisbane’s koala populations and enhance their long-term survival. Koala Conservation in Brisbane - Susan Dymock Join Susan Dymock from Brisbane City Council as she discusses the city's dedicated efforts to protect and recover koala populations. Brisbane, Australia's most biodiverse capital, supports approximately 2,500 plant species and 1,000 vertebrate wildlife species. Council aims to establish 40% of mainland Brisbane as natural habitat, with current coverage at 38.9%. Susan will highlight the critical importance of urban forests in facilitating koala movement and survival, emphasizing how connected habitats enable genetic diversity and resilience against threats. Location: Brisbane City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street (Committee Rooms 1 &3) Brisbane City Catering: Light refreshments provided Simultaneous Japanese live translation