Prof Barbara Norman, University of Canberra Prof Will Steffen, The Australian National University Presentation to Resilient Cities 2011 2 nd World Congress on Cities and Adaptation to Climate Change Bonn, ICLEI, Germany June 2011
Canberra Urban and Regional Futures What is Canberra Urban and Regional Futures (CURF)? The regional context Nature & scope of CURF Strengthening regional resilience through CURF collaboration Potential contribution of CURF
CURF is an innovative platform for sharing information across institutions in the context of sustainability and climate change CURF aims for a collaborative regional response to building resilience through sharing, connecting and co-producing knowledge across boundaries CURF arose from a series of discussions seeded by the idea that something better could be done in the Canberra region to progress the implementation of a more sustainable future for the region in the context of climate change
Canberra, Australia
The National Capital, Canberra
Geography -stretches from the Snowy Mountain Ranges to the south coast along the southeast corner of Australia Climate varies from alpine to mild coastal Land use very diverse, farming, horticulture, forestry, ski fields, urban settlement Australia s national capital is at the centre of the region largest inland city in Australia Governance is multi-jurisdictional -National / State / Territory and Local Governments
South Coast, Canberra region
CURF is a platform for building connections between research organizations, government agencies and communities in the Canberra region CURF connects through a collaborative framework that cuts across traditional borders of inquiry and governance One such partnership with the ACT Government has enabled the creation of an innovative website for CURF that maps research activity in the region
CURF aims to move from simple transmission of knowledge from researchers topractitioners to the co-production of knowledge by researchers and practitioners This approach is very much learning by doing, in other words by active adaptive management
Providing renewable energy
The CURF principles CURF is based on 7 principles: Trust Inclusiveness and openness Connections and communication Shared commitment to sustainability and responding to climate change Building on synergies of current arrangements Taking a long term view of change Innovation
CURF focuses on 8 themes: 1. Climate Change and the Environment 2. Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Form 3. Sustainable Regions 4. Healthy Communities 5. Social and Cultural Heritage 6. Economic Development 7. Coastal and Marine Planning 8. Policy, Governance and Institutions
Grasslands in the Canberra region
CURF is working to strengthen regional resilience through: Building partnerships across the traditional academic disciplines, sectors, and jurisdictional boundaries Activities in support of this aim include the preparation of studies and reports, seminars, roundtables and workshops, and an Inaugural Regional Symposium to be held in August 2011 Developing a regional profile to support community engagement and decision makers.
CURF Co-directors Professor Will Steffen Executive Director ANU Climate Change Institute The Australian National University Professor Barbara Norman Foundation Chair, Urban and Regional Planning University of Canberra Left: Professor Will Steffen at the opening of the Australia China Climate Change Forum held at ANU in March 2011 Right: Professor Barbara Norman (left) discussing planning and climate change with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard 23 May 2011.
Potential contribution of CURF The co-production of knowledge jointly by the research community and practitioners through learning by doing by undertaking: Synthesis reports - to support visionary decision making Scenario studies -to engage the community in possible futures Transformative ideas to jump start a new trajectory CURF is an evolving process of inquiry, innovation and connections
CURF- contributing to a sustainable future Thank you Questions? www.curf.com.au