Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Professor Louis Schipper and the team at WaiBER who are progressing a raft of research projects focused on increasing soil carbon content and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Associate Professor Sandy Morrison who is a lead researcher in the Deep South Challenge focused on exploring how indigenous knowledge, alongside science, can help prepare communities for climate change impacts.
Dr Kiri Wallace’s work as the co-leader of the BioHeritage Eco-index team helping to reverse biodiversity decline in New Zealand and re-create ecosystems in our cities using a social justice lens.
Professor Bruce Clarkson secured $10 million in 2021 for a research project called Restoring Urban Nature, courtesy of funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The project aims to restore Indigenous ecosystems and develop high-quality green spaces in urban landscapes and suburban backyards.
The multidisciplinary project builds on Professor Clarkson’s previous project People, Cities and Nature, another five-year MBIE-funded programme which has transformed urban spaces in the Waikato, Hawkes Bay and Taranaki regions.
Professor Clarkson’s work was also recognised when he was awarded the prestigious Hamilton Kirikiriroa Medal in recognition of his work restoring Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. Over 16 years, he was the driving force in transforming the 65.5 hectare council-owned site from farm paddocks into an internationally acclaimed regenerating native forest, wetland and a lake ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
We have 2,500+ trees on our Hamilton Campus and 70+ New Zealand ferns. Our 65-hectare Hamilton campus is home to a wide variety of native and exotic flora and fauna including several groves of kahikatea and many other native trees, including rimu, tītoki, kauri, tōtara, miro, rewarewa, kōwhai, tī kōuka (cabbage tree), kāpuka (grisellinia), nīkau, and kānuka.
We have combined our longstanding expertise in data science and environmental science to keep better tabs on the state of our natural environment, so authorities can make informed decisions before it's too late.
The MBIE-funded, $13 million project TAIAO, led by Professor Albert Bifet, collates environmental data from around the country and makes it available to scientists, ultimately so informed decisions can be made more quickly. The computer program performs a range of tasks including detecting algal blooms on waterways with minimal human involvement. It also checks DOC predator cameras and helps map at-risk trees using satellite imagery.
Boggy, peat soils across large portions of the Waikato region are among the densest natural carbon stores in New Zealand. However, efforts to drain these areas to make the land farmable has led to twice the amount of carbon emissions than previously calculated and will continue to do so for years to come.
Soil science experts Professor Louis Schipper and Associate Professor Dave Campbell have been focused on the many aspects of this problem and say while re-flooding the peatlands would stem carbon dioxide losses, they are also testing to what extent raising the water table while keeping farming can reduce the losses.
The duo are key members of a team called WaiBER at the University of Waikato, who are progressing a raft of research projects focused on increasing soil carbon content and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Most NZ dairy farmers put profitability first – but some are planting native trees anyway
A new study explores the experiences, values and priorities New Zealand dairy farmers have for their land and the implications for native biodiversity on farms.
Waikato University study guides New Zealand and Pacific policymakers on climate action
New research by the University of Waikato has given policymakers the power to prepare for Pacific mobility driven by climate change.
Study uncovers key to delayed climate recovery following mass extinction event
Sofia Rauzi's PhD research has shed light on the cause of delayed climate recovery following Earth’s most severe extinction event 251 million years ago.
Robots modernise horticulture industry at Fieldays
Three robots designed by the University of Waikato to increase efficiency, address labour shortages and reduce costs in the horticulture industry are on display at this year’s Fieldays.
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