Building on the successful co-authorship model used in the 2021 report, the 2026 SoE (SoE26) Report embeds two-way knowledge weaving throughout its development. This approach brings together First Nations knowledge systems and Western science in a way that values, respects, and produces a more comprehensive evidence base.
What is two-way knowledge weaving?
Two-way knowledge weaving is about combining complementary ways of knowing to strengthen environmental understanding. First Nations peoples have managed and observed Country for over 65,000 years, generating empirical, place-based and longitudinal knowledge.
This deep record of observation is critical when considering environmental condition and long-term trends, the effectiveness of management practices, and risks and pressures that may not be evident through Western datasets alone.
How this strengthens the SoE
This approach ensures that assessments are informed by multiple lines of evidence. In practice, this means First Nations knowledge will:
- contribute to identifying signals of environmental change
- refine methodologies to incorporate holistic and system-level perspectives
- provide context for interpreting scientific datasets.
This evidence-based model enriches the report by filling gaps in Western datasets, providing longitudinal depth, and offering system-wide insights into environment resilience and decline.
Through two-way knowledge weaving, the SoE26 delivers stronger, more complete assessments to guide national decisions on protecting and restoring Australia’s environment.
SoE26 Indigenous Advisory Panel
An Indigenous Advisory Panel (IAP) has been established to provide expert, culturally informed guidance throughout the development of SoE26.
The IAP advises on how First Nations perspectives and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) can be respectfully and ethically woven into the report through two-way knowledge weaving.
The IAP members are
- Professor (HonD) Leslie (Phil) Duncan
- Tibau Stanley (Stan) Lui
- Dr Teagan Shields
- Professor Stephen Van Leeuwen
Read the biographies of our IAP members below.
Preparing the 2026 State of the Environment Report
What questions will the State of the Environment Report address?
What’s new in the 2026 State of the Environment Report
A thematic approach to State of the Environment Reporting
The 2026 State of the Environment Indicators and Assessments
Understanding State and Trend Measures
Stay informed
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, receive updates, and learn about other potential opportunities to engage during the development of the next State of the Environment Report please use the Register button below.
How we use your data is outlined in our Privacy Statement.