Native Seeds for ecological restoration: Improving the seed supply chain with technology, training and Community Engagement

Simone Pedrini ¹

Curtin University ¹

The degradation and destruction of natural habitats, with consequent loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, is one of the major global challenges of the 21st century. Recently, the UN launched the Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, a global initiative to reverse the current trend of ecosystem degradation. A key component of ecosystem restoration is the use of native seeds. Unfortunately, in Western Australia, as is the case for most regions of the world, native seeds are usually not available in the quantity and diversity required; seed quality is usually unknown, seed price very high (>1,000 $/kg), and successful seed establishment in the field meagre (> 10%). Our research team at Curtin University has been working closely with native seed suppliers and users to tackle the major issues that are currently crippling the local native seed supply chain. We are developing and testing technological solutions with seed suppliers to improve various steps of the seed supply chain, such as cost-effective seed quality testing, seed processing, seed use, and seedling establishment. A crucial element of the project is engagement with local First Nation groups and developing and delivering seed training to upskill and empower Aboriginal rangers to become leaders in the restoration economy.

Main author career stage: Postdoc / Fellow

Contribution type: Talk

First choice session: 3. Biodiversity and global change

Second choice session: 6. Plants, Fungi and Society