At Future Custodians, we’re pioneering a movement dedicated to redefining our relationship with the planet and each other.
Imagine a world where your ideas become our shared reality, to help protect nature and safeguard our future. Find out more about our purpose.
Futurists are people who explore predictions or possibilities about the future and are actively involved in prototyping and developing solutions, thereby they design a better future for the planet and all of its inhabitants. Futuring is about looking forward several decades, while ‘planning’ looks ahead only a few years, it’s about the long term impacts.
The concept of a “custodian” takes on a deeply significant and holistic role, transcending traditional asset management to encompass stewardship of the Earth’s natural resources and environment for current and future generations.
Traditional Custodian: Historically, being a custodian of the planet involves the conservation and responsible management of natural resources, ensuring that land, water, air, and biodiversity are preserved and restored. Traditional custodians, often indigenous peoples, have maintained a symbiotic relationship with their environments, guided by ancestral knowledge and sustainable practices that respect the natural world. Their role has been, and continues to be, vital in protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, emphasising a balance between human activity and the natural world.
Future Custodian: Looking ahead, the concept of a future custodian of the planet implies an expanded, proactive approach to environmental stewardship, incorporating innovative technologies and strategies to combat challenges such as climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Everyone, regardless of their indigenous background or not, is responsible for this future. This future-oriented custodianship involves:
- Technological Innovation: Leveraging advanced technologies, such as AI, big data, and blockchain, for environmental monitoring, conservation efforts, and sustainable resource management. These technologies can help in predicting environmental changes, optimizing resource use, and ensuring transparency in environmental governance.
- Global Collaboration: Encouraging global cooperation among nations, corporations, and individuals to address planetary challenges collectively. Future custodianship requires a unified approach to implementing and adhering to international environmental agreements and initiatives.
- Sustainable Development: Promoting practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This includes advancing renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy models.
- Public Awareness and Education: Enhancing public understanding and engagement in environmental conservation through education, community involvement, and advocacy. Empowering individuals and communities to act as custodians of their local environments contributes to global sustainability efforts.
Discover
- Concept: Underground citiesThe concept of transforming our cities with underground living spaces leverages advanced tunnelling technologies.Concept: Underground cities
- DeforestationOur goal is to reduce deforestation rates globally, promote sustainable alternatives and ensure a greener future for us all.Deforestation
- Ethical Wildlife TourismWe believe in responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.Ethical Wildlife Tourism
- Endangered Species ProtectionOur mission is to conserve and protect the world's most vulnerable species from extinction. We believe that every creature on this planet plays a vital role in its ecosystem and deserves a fighting chance for survival.Endangered Species Protection
- Concept: City ForestsThe trees, the green spaces, they're a step in the right direction, but where are all the animals? Concept: City Forests
- Concept: Repurpose RacecoursesTransforming racecourses into nature reserves, drawing inspiration from places like Apple Park, offers an innovative approach to repurposing land for conservation.Concept: Repurpose Racecourses
- Concept: Minimum Design StandardsImagine a world where every building, park, and public space is designed to make you feel happy and relaxed. With "Minimum Design Standards” our surroundings can help us feel our best, no matter where we live.Concept: Minimum Design Standards
- Global Culture of RespectThe Japanese psyche, characterised by its deep-rooted values of harmony, respect, and collective well-being, offers invaluable insights into how we might embrace mutual understanding.Global Culture of Respect
Protect
- Alpine She-oak SkinkThe Alpine She-oak Skink, a lesser-known but equally important resident of mountainous terrains, plays a crucial role in the ecosystem it inhabits.Alpine She-oak Skink
- Eastern Barred BandicootSince 1991, over 650 bandicoots have been bred, with four reintroduced populations now thriving within predator-exclusion fenced areas on the mainland, in addition to introduced populations on three fox-free islands.Eastern Barred Bandicoot
- Tasmanian DevilThe Tasmanian devil has been listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List, primarily due to a contagious cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). Tasmanian Devil
- PrahranThe suburb of Prahran takes its name from the local Indigenous word for the area, Pur-ra-ran, a compound of two words meaning 'land partially surrounded by water'. Prahran
- KākāpōThe Kakapo, also known as the night parrot or owl parrot, is a remarkable bird native to New Zealand. Kākāpō
- Swift ParrotThe swift parrot, a vibrant and swift-moving bird native to south-eastern Australia, is facing critical threats that could lead to its extinction.Swift Parrot
- Gilbert's PotorooGilbert's potoroo or ngilkat is Australia's most endangered marsupial, found in south-western Western Australia.Gilbert's Potoroo
- CassowaryThe cassowary is more than just an iconic species of the Wet Tropics; it is an integral part of the ecosystem, often referred to as the "gardener of the rainforest." Cassowary
- Northern Hairy-Nosed WombatThe Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat, also known by its indigenous name Yaminon, represents a critical conservation focus in Australia.Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
- VaquitaThe Vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world, with less than 20 individuals left in the wild.Vaquita
- Daintree RainforestThe Daintree Rainforest, one of the most complex and oldest ecosystems on Earth, is an irreplaceable part of our global heritage. Daintree Rainforest
- Marine PollutionOur purpose is simple yet monumental: to save our oceans from the damaging effects of pollution.Marine Pollution
- Eastern QuollEastern quolls were an enduring part of Australia's landscape for millions of years. Sadly, the last Eastern quoll on the Australian mainland is believed to have perished in 1963. Eastern Quoll
- Green and Golden Bell FrogsRight now, Sydney's Olympic Park is more than just a space for sports and events; it's a crucial home for the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frogs.Green and Golden Bell Frogs
- NumbatWith fewer than 1,000 individuals in the wild, the Numbat's survival hinges on enhanced protective measures and community support for a sustainable future.Numbat
- Sunshine Coast HinterlandNestled in the heart of Queensland, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a treasure trove of natural beauty, home to lush rainforests, rolling hills, and diverse flora and fauna. Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Gouldian Finch
- NaarmThe journey towards restoring Naarm and protecting the Yarra River is one of collaboration, innovation, and respect.Naarm
- Brush-tailed rock-wallabyThe Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, scientifically known as Petrogale penicillata, holds a unique place within Australia's rich biodiversity.Brush-tailed rock-wallaby
- Mountain Pygmy-possumThe Mountain Pygmy-possum is a small, unique animal living in the high alpine areas of Australia. Mountain Pygmy-possum
- Regent HoneyeaterThe Regent Honeyeater is a striking bird native to southeastern Australia, known for its beautiful black and yellow plumage. Regent Honeyeater
- Orange-bellied parrotThe Orange-bellied Parrot is a small and remarkably vibrant bird, famous for its striking colours and critically endangered status.Orange-bellied parrot
- Mallee Emu-wrenThe Mallee Emu-wren, a tiny bird with a big story, flutters through Australia's mallee scrublands. Mallee Emu-wren
- Lord Howe Island Stick InsectOnce thought to be extinct, the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, also known as the "tree lobster," has crawled back from the edge, becoming an emblem of conservation success and a beacon of hope for endangered species worldwide.Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
- Street LibrariesStreet libraries, also known as Little Free Libraries or community book exchanges, are small public bookshelves where people can exchange books for free.Street Libraries
Our principles
These five elements, form the foundation of our journey and transcend nations, cultures, race and religion. Let’s redefine our relationship with the planet and each other as human beings, the future custodians of Earth. Learn more about our principles.