United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 15: Life on land
Sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land (policy). Have a policy to ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the university, in particular forests, mountains and drylands.
UniSC is proud to have several policies, procedures and a campus masterplan that ensures the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems associated with the university land. This is crucial for protecting natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.
Our policies include guidelines for managing forests (referred to as “bush” in Australian terms), mountains, and drylands, emphasizing the importance of preserving these areas through sustainable practices. UniSC employs initiatives such as reforestation projects, habitat restoration (including those traditional knowledges and future ways of being from lessons learnt from the traditional custodians of the land, the Kabi Kabi people), and the protection of native species. By integrating these efforts into the university’s operations and community outreach, the policies not only safeguard the environment but also serves as an educational model for students and the broader community, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Specific references in our documents commit the University to make decisions that are in the best interest of the environment and are the main governance documents for sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land (policy):
- UniSC's Sustainability Policy (5.11)
“5.11 Native biodiversity is conserved and, where possible, enhanced or regenerated across all nature-based University sites and field activities.“ - Sustainability Procedures (7.1 and 8.7)
“7.1 The Director, Facilities Management, and the General Manager, Strategic Infrastructure Developments – Capital and Commercial, will lead the enhancement of the environmental impact across the University’s campuses and activities through ensuring that sustainability is central to the development and implementation of the Campus Master Plan, the Strategic Asset Management Plan, the USC Carbon Management Plan and other resource-related planning.“
“8.7 Facilities Management staff will engage with surrounding schools and their students to build respect and appreciation for the local environment and biodiversity.” - Campus Masterplan 2023
“Connected to Nature – A campus identity that celebrates the waterways and ecosystems of the area.”
Summary
UniSC commits to conserving, restoring, and sustainably using university-associated terrestrial ecosystems, including forests (bushlands), mountains, and drylands, to promote environmental stewardship and serves as an educational model.