Growing concern about the worsening state of earth鈥檚 biodiversity has motivated a group of 宅男导航 students and staff to form the first Australian Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB).
鈥淪teadily increasing threats to biodiversity and increasingly cross鈥揹isciplinary problems were part of the reason that I decided to set up this Chapter,鈥� said Megan Barnes, President of the Brisbane-宅男导航 Chapter.
鈥淲e aim to bring together conservation scientists, land managers, economists, legal professionals and social scientists who share the SCB鈥檚 mission of advancing the science and practice of conserving the Earth鈥檚 biological diversity,鈥� she said.
Although many groups focus on ecological issues, Ms Barnes said there was a need for an organisation to promote collaboration and said the 10,000-strong SCB was the perfect fit.
鈥淚 saw the Society's international reputation as a great way to bring together local expertise to achieve these goals at a regional level.鈥�
Each chapter of the SCB has the freedom to focus on issues relevant to them, as long as they fit within the Society鈥檚 broad goal of using science-based evidence to promote the conservation of biodiversity worldwide.
鈥淐hapters use the passion and expertise of their members to do this locally and regionally,鈥� Ms Barnes said.
鈥淲e are very interested in being actively involved in a dialogue with other groups and institutions through actions like producing policy papers and submissions,鈥� she said.
The Brisbane-宅男导航 Chapter recently put forward a submission to the Draft Queensland Biodiversity Strategy as a step towards improving outcomes for biodiversity.
鈥淭he Draft Strategy is a step up from previous efforts, but it has a long way to go before it is a credible roadmap to halting the rapid declines in Queensland鈥檚 biodiversity,鈥� Ms Barnes said.
Other chapters have worked with community grants to restore ecosystems, hosted regional conferences, conducted education and outreach programs and provide experts to their communities.
Ms Barnes and other members of the Chapter are full of ideas for the chapter鈥檚 future and are looking for likeminded individuals to take part in the in the groups activities.
鈥淚n short, being a member of the Chapter involves your presence, expertise and engagement, connecting with other conservation professionals and creates the opportunity to pursue important work to improve biodiversity outcomes."
How to get involved: You can find the Brisbane-宅男导航 Chapter of SCB by visiting their website , connecting via Facebook and Twitter or subscribing to their Google Group
Media: Megan Barnes (megan.barnes@uq.edu.au or 0410 050 983).
