Established by the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science in collaboration with UQ Advancement, our new initiative, Friends of Biodiversity, aims to bring together a community of likeminded people who care about our natural world.
Australia’s biodiversity crisis is complex and ever evolving, demanding partnership across governments, industry, NGOs, and, importantly, communities. We all have a role to play in protecting and nurturing our natural environment. Within Friends of Biodiversity, you can choose how you'd like to be involved – learning more about conservation problems and solutions, joining us on nature walks, supporting a conservation scholarship, lobbying for change, or just being part of a community of like-minded individuals. We will be providing opportunities for lifelong learning through talks, workshops, and articles, as well as hosting bespoke events for our Friends.
Associate Professor and acting CBCS Director Carissa Klein, explains that Friends of Biodiversity was born after the CBCS team attended a UQ Alumni trip at Hidden Vale Research Station, where alumni of all different careers and disciplines came together to immerse themselves in walks, talks, and science. “We were overwhelmed by how engaged everyone was in the research we do to solve some of the world’s most pressing biodiversity conservation problems,” she says. “People want to be a part of this. They want to come and learn, but they also want to contribute.”
Friends is dedicated to impact, and one vital pathway to impact is supporting the biodiversity and conservation leaders of tomorrow. For that reason, a flagship initiative, The Conservation Scholars Academy will be launched in 2027. This enriched learning program for undergraduate students will ensure our rising stars are supported and empowered to drive positive change long into the future. With thanks to UQ Alumni Friends, an initial AU$50,000 seed contribution has been provided to support the first Conservation Academy scholarship. Our goal is to build on this foundation to grow an endowment fund that supports a cohort of Conservation Scholars in perpetuity.
For CBCS Deputy Director, Dr Lily Bentley, the benefits of the initiative are clear. “To better look after our natural environment, we need to build a network of environmental stewards from across the wider community – researchers can’t wave a magic wand to fix all the problems, it needs to be a collaborative effort. Plus, if we are learning in community, enjoying nature, and meeting interesting people, we might even enjoy ourselves along the way.”
If you’re interested in becoming a “Friend of Biodiversity” and attending future events, register your interest here.
If you would like to donate to the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation, click here.