Deputy Director of the University of Queensland’s Global Change Institute, Professor Karen Hussey has joined the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation board.

The Professor has been appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by Rowland Hill’s decision late last year not to extend his term on the Board for a further three years.

Chairman Campbell Corfe paid tribute to Rowland’s great contribution to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation.

“Rowland has been instrumental in the development of our core programs and brought a rare wisdom to our deliberations.

“We are however thrilled that Karen has agreed to join the Foundation. Noosa is most privileged to have access to her insights.”

Trained as a political scientist and economist, Karen’s research is in the areas of public policy and governance, particularly relating to sustainable development.

“I am honoured to be joining the NBRF and to be given the opportunity to work with such a committed group of people,” says Karen.

“The Noosa Biosphere Reserve has an enviable reputation as an environmental success story and that is down to the unique characteristics of the Noosa community. I look forward to playing my part in the coming years, though I’m conscious that I have enormous shoes to fill!”

Prof. Hussey has led or been involved in numerous research grants in the last decade and has published widely in the areas of water and energy security, the role of the state in climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and international trade.

Prof. Hussey leads the University of Queensland’s Global Change Scholars program, supervises ten PhD students and sits on several scientific steering committees. She also sat on the board of the UNESCO-ANU Chair in Water Economics and Transboundary Water Governance for three years.

This year, the Noosa Biosphere Reserve celebrates 10 years’ designation as a world class biodiversity zone.

The Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation is entrusted by UNESCO and Noosa Council to protect our global status as a biosphere reserve.

Tags: NBRF, board, directors