This month we celebrated the launch of Friends of Biodiversity with a special screening of Flyaways, an inspiring documentary about Australia’s migratory shorebirds, followed by a bird walk led by Professor Richard Fuller, who features in the film.
Friends of Biodiversity, our recently established initiative, works to bring together a group of likeminded people from the wider community who care about biodiversity. Associate Professor and acting Director of CBCS, Carissa Klein, says the launch was a meaningful milestone for the initiative. “It was heartening to see so many ‘Friends’ at our launch, from all ages and backgrounds. CBCS’s Richard Fuller’s enthusiasm for migratory shorebirds was incredibly motivating and will no doubt inspire our new ‘Friends’ to engage with and support biodiversity conservation,” she says.
The launch event brought together a diverse range of people to learn more about Australia’s remarkable birds and the conservation challenges they face. Reflecting on the event, Professor Richard Fuller shares his excitement about the turnout.
“I’ve never run a bird walk with such a large crowd, an amplifier and a microphone – what a blast! It was so heartening to see the Friends of Biodiversity movement get underway with such a wonderful group of people. Thanks everyone!” Professor Richard Fuller says.
Our launch event highlights how communities can come together for biodiversity. There’s no easy way to solve Australia’s complex and ever evolving biodiversity crisis, but we believe we all play a part in protecting our natural environment. Within the initiative you can choose how to be involved - learning more about the problems, joining us on nature walks, supporting a conservation scholarship, lobbying for change, or just being part of a community of like-minded individuals. CBCS will be providing opportunities for lifelong learning through talks, workshops, and articles, as well as hosting bespoke events for our Friends.
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.