Holly Buschman, a respected leader in the field of sustainability, is appointed as Minderoo Foundation’s new executive director.
Minderoo Foundation has announced the appointment of Holly Buschman as the new executive director of its Natural Ecosystems focus area. Ms Buschman brings extensive experience in climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystem conservation, and sustainability leadership to the role. Her appointment comes as Minderoo accelerates its ambitious 2030 Strategy, backed by a commitment of over $300 million to support partners in achieving its mission of forging a fair future.
John Hartman, CEO of Minderoo Foundation, emphasised the strategic significance of this new appointment. “Minderoo’s work is built on the belief that people’s wellbeing, strong communities and a healthy environment are inseparable,” he explained. “By working with our partners and backing practical, scalable solutions to safeguard our natural ecosystems, we help improve the lives of vulnerable communities which often bear the worst impacts of climate change and environmental degradation. Holly’s expertise in sustainability and ecosystem conservation will be invaluable as we ramp up our support for climate philanthropy.”
Ms Buschman expressed her enthusiasm for joining Minderoo at this crucial juncture. “I’m excited to join Minderoo at this pivotal moment for the organisation and our environment,” she said. “I look forward to working with partners on bold and innovative solutions that mitigate the impacts of climate change and address nature loss.”
Ms Buschman joins Minderoo from her previous role as Vice President of Sustainability Strategy at South32. Her career also includes 11 years at BHP, where she held a variety of sustainability roles, ranging from operational positions to global initiatives. Her work at BHP encompassed developing strategies for climate adaptation, establishing public environmental targets, and leading investments in natural climate solutions. She has a diverse background, having worked in environmental roles across manufacturing, defence, and consulting sectors in both the US and Australia. Ms Buschman holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering with a minor in Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering. She will commence her role with Minderoo at the end of April 2025.
Minderoo Foundation, a proudly Australian philanthropic organisation, is dedicated to forging a fair future. Its work focuses on three key areas: Communities, Gender Equality, and Natural Ecosystems, utilising the latest research, data, and science to drive effective solutions. The Natural Ecosystems focus area recognises the interconnectedness of marine and terrestrial environments, with climate change identified as a significant and unifying threat.
Minderoo’s Natural Ecosystems work encompasses a range of important initiatives, including:
- OceanOmics: This innovative program advances marine biodiversity monitoring through the use of scalable technology. By analysing seawater for traces of environmental DNA (eDNA), scientists can identify the species present in a given area, enabling more effective measurement of ocean health and supporting improved conservation efforts.
- Marine Conservation: Minderoo maintains a strong and growing focus on strengthening protections for marine life and ecosystems. This includes advocating for the adoption and ratification of the High Seas Treaty and collaborating with partners to achieve the goal of 30% marine protected areas globally by 2030.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Under its 2030 Strategy, the Natural Ecosystems focus area is increasing its support for nature-based solutions. This involves protecting and restoring critical ecosystems that act as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon emissions and buffering against the impacts of climate change.
- Real Zero Advocacy: Minderoo is committed to advocating for Real Zero, highlighting Australia’s critical role in global decarbonisation and promoting the lasting environmental and economic benefits of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The appointment of Holly Buschman signals Minderoo’s continued commitment to addressing the urgent challenges facing our natural ecosystems. Her leadership and expertise will be instrumental in driving the Foundation’s efforts to develop and implement innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
Also read: $300K in grants to revive nature and support volunteers
Milton writes as both an occupation and a hazard. He also works on the newsletters you see on Tuesday and Thursday with articles you should find interesting.
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