Adam Canning

I am a researcher dedicated to advancing nature-based solutions to create ecologically integrated agricultural landscapes capable of providing food systems within environmental boundaries that support biodiversity and thriving aquatic ecosystems. My research spans across agroecology, freshwater ecosystem health, restoration and ecosystem modelling. I approach food security with a commitment to diverse, nature-positive systems that include both regeneratively farmed and wild food resources, including freshwater fisheries and bush foods, which respects Indigenous knowledge systems.

Several of my projects have focused on identifying locations and methods for restoring freshwater and intertidal wetlands while leveraging ecosystem service markets to buffer communities against climate impacts. In another project, I am exploring the use of harvested invasive aquatic weeds as agricultural amendments, assessing how this affects nutrient retention, soil health, and freshwater biosecurity. To support the uptake of agroecological practices, I am also evaluating scalable approaches to monitor biodiversity across regenerative grain farms nationwide, enabling participation in emerging ecosystem service schemes. All this work involves collaborating with NGOs, government, farmers, and communities.

While my projects have primarily focused on rural systems, I am interested in pursuing additional research into how agroecological approaches can be used to grow urban agriculture, thereby improving local food security, biodiversity, and community connections to nature in urban environments.

Technical Skills

• Ecosystem modelling
• Nutrient dynamics modelling and management
• Freshwater and wetland restoration planning
• Agroecology and regenerative agricultural practices
• Geospatial analysis, including leveraging satellite data
• Statistical and data analysis
• Environmental policy advising and consulting