The Guangzhou International Sister-City Universities (GISU) initiative represents 21 members, 16 countries, with a mission of enhancing mutual understanding between Guangzhou and its friendship cities and encourage friendly inter-city visits which promote educational development and cultural exchanges between institutions of higher education in Guangzhou and member University's which foster mutual-benefits and promote cooperation and development.
Nature Positive Cities
"Designing net-zero, nature-positive cities will reduce the impact on climate and nature while re-purposing and regenerating services and spaces to ensure citizens can live, work, move and thrive in lively and resilient cities. This transition will require public-private cooperation across multiple sectors, including real estate, energy, mobility, commerce and beyond." World Economic Forum (2024)
In 2024 the GISU Alliance, through Guangzhou University is sponsoring a Sustainability and Social Responsibility Project for its members. Funding is available to support member engagement and projects that speak to the Nature Positive Cities theme. This project aims to foster collaboration between GISU Alliance member institutions and generate impact through place-based loacalised projects that focus on the sustainable urban development of cities addressing the theme of 'Nature Positive Cities'. We aim to develop a series of short case studies situated with local knowledge and context while establishing a global community of practice.
How to get involved with this opportunity
There are numerous ways to get involved, whether your institution is just starting this journey or is well advanced:
- Conduct a Bioblitz - Network with researchers working on Nature Positive themes, sharing resource with staff tackling their impacts on nature and conducting a baseline bio blitz through citizen science platforms like iNaturalist and The Great Southern Bioblitz.
- Formal commitment through a Nature Positive Pledge - Universities, colleges and higher education institutions can make a Nature Positive Pledge which is a commitment to start a nature positive journey, incorporating a biodiversity baseline, targets, actions and annual reporting.
- Student Ambassadors Program - Support a Student Ambassadors program at your institution, empowering students to take action for nature on their campuses.
Seed Funding Availability
The GISU Alliance initiative is offering Alliance members up to $2,000 seed funding for projects which speak to this years theme.
For further information and to request an Expression of Interest form reach out to the Sustainability Education and Partnerships team at Western Sydney University to discuss your idea: sustainability@westernsydney.edu.au
Relevant Dates
- EOI process for projects: Submission of EOI by 6 May. Successful applicants to be notified by 19 April.
- 3 Masterclasses to be held to support member project across the year: Dates TBC
- Virtual International Symposium on Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Nature Positive Cities: 9 October
- Final reports due: 10 December
What is Western Sydney University doing about Nature Positive
Western is at the first stages of moving towards Nature Positive as part of this initiative. We will be conducting a Bioblitz survey at our vertical campuses to establish baseline data. We will be doing this with our University community and students as part of the Great Southern Bioblitz in September 2024.
