1. Reflections on rabbits
Theodore R. Alter,
Professor, Penn State
Adjunct Research Fellow, University of New England, Australia
Presentation at the Sustainability Curriculum Consortium
June 26, 2017

2. Acknowledgements Michael Reid Lisa Adams Lauren Hull Madison Miller
Program Manager, Established invasive species, Biosecurity
Dept. of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport, and Resources
State of Victoria, AU
Principal
Lisa Adams & Associates
Melbourne Area, AU
Former National Rabbit Facilitator, IACRC/Commonwealth of Australia
Community Engagement Officer, National Rabbit Project
Dept. of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
State of Victoria, AU
Research Assistant
Center for Community and Economic Development, Penn State

3. Significant Insights
Invasive animals management is about relationship building and requires community-led action.
Invasive animals management requires a systems approach to facilitate collaboration across stakeholder groups.
Invasive animals management
leaves a lasting legacy.

4. THE RABBIT PROBLEM

5. Rabbit Impacts Threats to 304 Australian threatened species
$200 million dollars of lost production annually

6. RELATIONSHIPS & COMMUNITY-LED ACTION
“Community-led action is a new concept, and a new way of looking at a wicked problem. It’s about the community understanding what the issue is, understanding the values of people within the community, and working together collaboratively.”
John Matthews Biosecurity Manager

7. Building Relationships
Learning Network:
Building Relationships

8. SYSTEMS & STAKEHOLDERS
“We are working together in collaboration with a whole lot of groups, and getting stuck into it together. You have to get on with your neighbours. The government, councils and road and rail authorities all have to work together. They need to sit down and talk and work across the fence. This is happening in the north east of Victoria and it’s very exciting.”
Sue Campbell National Rabbit Project Steering Committee, Farmer and landowner

11. Rabbit Leadership Program: Building Expertise in the System

12. LEAVING A LEGACY
“Rabbits are a community problem and only sustained community action will provide long term outcomes. VRAN is working with the communities that have the problem to empower them to provide that long term outcome.”
Gerry Leach VRAN Committee Chair

13. Rabbit Conference & Community Grants: Building a Legacy

14. Many Ways to Leave a Legacy
Species Reduction
Community Empowerment
Documenting
& Co-learning

15. Theodore R. Alter
Work Phone:
Professor of Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics Co-Director, Center for Economic and Community Development Adjunct Research Fellow, Australian Center for Agriculture and Law, University of New England

16. Reflections on rabbits
Theodore R. Alter,
Professor, Penn State
Adjunct Research Fellow, University of New England, Australia
Presentation at the Sustainability Curriculum Consortium
June 26, 2017