Welcome to our October bulletin celebrating the International Year of Biodiversity (IYOB).
This month Biodiversity Year gets serious, and fun.
- Two weeks ago the UN General Assembly debated the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Secretary General announced that the world isn’t meeting the 2010 targets.
- Later this month all 193 parties to the Convention are scheduled to meet in Nagoya, Japan, to adopt a strategic plan on biodiversity and a 2050 biodiversity vision.
- And the Sydney Moring Herald reports that the Australian government’s biodiversity plan will be released later this month – more on this below in ‘News’.
- Meanwhile, back at the grass roots…there are more than 45 events taking place around the country over the month.
- And what would you look like as a snail, fish or bat? Try Monkey Me and find discover your inner animal.
Event highlights include a crochet coral reef in Melbourne; bug hunts in WA; breakfast with birds in NSW; David Suzuki across the country; following Mawson across Antarctica with Tim Jarvis in Adelaide; and, biodiversity of soil in Queensland.
This month, you can also have some fun trying the Monkey Me feature on the International Year of Biodiversity website. Share it with friends—if you dare.
For full details of events and activities near you, visit www.biodiversity2010.org.au.
The website is open for events, blogs, essays, photos and more. Please use it to promote your own events and ideas. It is the only source of event listings for this bulletin.
We are keen to communicate with anyone with an interest in biodiversity. Please pass this bulletin on to others you think might like to receive it.
Our next bulletin will cover November events.
Kind regards,
Teresa and Valerie
Coordinators, International Year of Biodiversity (Australia)
Teresa Belcher (teresa.belcher@museum.wa.gov.au | tel: 08 9212 3760)
Valerie Gregory (valerie.gregory@austmus.gov.au | tel: 02 9320 6342)
http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au
This bulletin has been sent by Science in Public, on behalf of CAMD and the International Year of Biodiversity Coordinators.
IYOB 2010 is an initiative of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD), funded with assistance from the Science Connections Program within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Contents
The biodiversity hub: have your say
News
World misses biodiversity targets and meets to set new ones
David Suzuki touring Australia
Six thousand new marine species discovered
Crocheted coral reef in Melbourne
Biodiversity conferences
Biodiversity events coming up
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
The biodiversity hub: have your say
Our website (http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au/) is a ‘biodiversity hub’ for events in Australia where you can promote your biodiversity news and events, and share stories and ideas. We encourage everyone with an interest in biodiversity to contribute to the website, and to hold events to promote biodiversity during 2010.
You can ‘Add an Event’ at http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au/biodiversity-events/add-an-event/. Your event is then added to our searchable calendar and distributed via this news bulletin.
You may also like to create a ‘story’, to tell everyone about your biodiversity activities. You can also add photos (via Flickr), or videos (via YouTube) or interact with us directly on Twitter (http://twitter.com/bio2010aus).
We look forward to seeing your contribution soon!
News
World misses biodiversity targets and meets to set new ones
The world has missed the 2010 target of a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the UN General Assembly on 22 September. According to AFP…
‘Conserving the planet’s species and habitats – and the goods and services they provide – is central to sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals,’ the Secretary General said.
“The global decline in biodiversity is actually accelerating…Science tells us that our actions have pushed extinctions to up to 1,000 times the natural background rate. The reason is simple: human activities. Yours, mine, everyone’s.”
The debate was a precursor to a meeting of the 192 countries signed up to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The signatories will meet in Nagoya, Japan, later this month.
The meeting’s agenda includes a range of 2020 targets to protect biodiversity, including targets to slow habitat loss and conserve waterways.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the Australian government is expected to make public a new National Biodiversity Plan in the coming weeks.
The Herald previously reported that the plan is expected to contain 10 national targets to help reduce loss of biodiversity, including a target to reduce the impact of feral animals by 10 per cent by 2015.
Meanwhile the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that Earth was hurtling towards a mass extinction.
Out of 44,838 species on the IUCN’s famous “Red List”, at least 16,928 are threatened with being wiped out, it said. You can read about the “Red List” and meet the ‘species of the day’ at http://www.iucnredlist.org/
David Suzuki touring Australia
One of the great advocates of biodiversity conservation, the internationally renowned scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster David Suzuki, is touring Australia in October. In ‘The Legacy Lecture’, David will present a critical and candid exploration of a period of human history which includes his own life’s journey—which has overlapped and converged with many of the most important social, scientific, cultural and political developments of the past seventy years. His focus also acknowledges the wisdom of his grandparents and moves forward through to the promise held in the birth of his new grandson.
To find out when David is talking in your area visit www.biodiversity2010.org.au/?s=David+Suzuki&search=GO.
Six thousand new marine species discovered
Also, a global network of researchers engaged in a ten-year initiative to assess and explain the past, present, and future diversity, distribution, and abundance of marine life have released a 64-page report that reveals an abundance of marine life, with six thousand new species discovered. For more information on the report visit http://www.coml.org/ or you can listen to an ABC interview with Nic Bax, Chairman of Census of Marine Life, Australia at http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2010/3029418.htm
Crocheted coral reef in Melbourne
In Upwey, in the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of Melbourne, you can visit The Melbourne Reef. It’s a fusion of higher mathematics, women’s handicrafts, marine biology and environmental activism. Actually—it’s a crocheted coral reef, with contributions from Melbournians ranging in age from three to 93. See how it has come together on the blog at http://melbournesatellitereef.blogspot.com. The exhibition opens on 9 October.
Biodiversity conferences
Over the coming months, several conferences will celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity. If you are interested in registering or submitting an abstract please visit the conference websites. Here is a selection:
The politics of biodiversity
2010 National Environmental Law Association of Australia (NELA) National Conference
20-23 October 2010, Australian National University, Canberra
The program features speakers from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage and Dr Allan Hawke AC, head of the Government’s independent review of the EPBC Act will each be delivering a keynote address.
For further details see http://www.nela.org.au/node/174
From discovery to delivery: science, policy, leadership and action
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) Conference
26-29 October 2010, Wellington NZ
Because 2010 is the International Year for Biodiversity, many of the conference papers will focus on this particular aspect of environmental management. Topics will include “wicked” environmental problems; putting a value on ecosystems; business leadership; assessing and monitoring sustainability; motivating communities to sustained action; and urban and rural environments that protect the natural environment and foster biodiversity.
For further details see http://www.confer.co.nz/eianz2010/index.html
Sustaining biodiversity: the next 50 years
Ecological Society of Australia – annual conference
6-10 December 2010, Manning Clark Centre, Australian National University, Canberra
Speakers will set the achievements of the past 50 years of ecology in Australia against the biodiversity challenges that still face us. And we will hear from how biodiversity science can be applied on the ground and can shape biodiversity policy.
For further details see http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au/2010/06/sustaining-biodiversity-the-next-50-years/
A brush with biodiversity
15-16 October, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
A conference for Islanders and others who want to know more about the importance of the Island’s biodiversity to the economy and unique society. The program includes talks by specialists in ecology, coast and marine ecology, landholder health and wellbeing, and landcare; a field trip and promotion of local best practice; awards for local natural resource management achievers; and a community forum on biodiversity.
For further details see http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au/2010/06/a-brush-with-biodiversity/
Biodiversity events coming up
Click on the link or visit www.biodiversity2010.org.au for full details of each event, and to see newly added events.
Australian Capital Territory
David Suzuki – Canberra
16 October, The National Library, Canberra
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Sustaining biodiversity – the next 50 years
6 – 12 December 2010, Manning Clarke Centre – see conference listings above.
New South Wales
Australia’s vanishing frogs
15-17 October 2010, Watagan National Park, Watagan
Your chance to contribute to important hands-on environmental science and conservation. As a volunteer on this Earthwatch expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to create positive change for our world, while having a life-changing experience of your own!
Breakfast with the birds
24 October 2010, Warriewood Wetlands, Warriewood
Breakfast with the birds at Warriewood Wetlands. A guided stroll to see summer birds such as breeding Sacred Kingfishers, Dollarbirds, Fairy and Variegated Wrens.
Help save the bandicoots
9, 14, 21, 28 October & 4 November, North Head Sanctuary, Manly
Help protect North Head’s native bandicoots from attack by introduced predators, by joining the Earthwatch ‘Bandicoots on the Brink’ conservation project.
David Suzuki – Byron Bay & Sydney
24 & 27 October 2010
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Asparagus out field day
13 November 2010, Rocky Point
A highlight of the bush regeneration year is to see 30-40 people eradicating Asparagus Fern! Join the local bushcare group for another Big Day Out in beautiful Spotted Gum forest, with a splendid lunch as the finale.
Swamped
16-18 November 2010, Australian Museum, Sydney
What does Jack Bonhom have in that box? The Masters of Space and Time present a razor-sharp black comedy exploring how our good choices lead us to disaster.
Australian Museum & Crack Theatre festival: biodiversity performance
16 & 18 November 2010, Australian Museum, Sydney
Toss individual actions into complex systems and you end up with …the law of unintended consequences aka the cane toad etc. Crack Theatre Festival liaise with Masters of Space and Time (MOSAT) to produce an original performance on the theme of biodiversity loss.
S.O.S Aussies
1 January – 31 December 2010
Save Our Species Aussies is a mobile environmental education program which uses live reptiles and a hands-on student-centered approach to environmental education and related topics.
To get your event mentioned in the next bulletin, please add it to the online biodiversity event calendar.
Northern Territory
Exhibition: Supercrocodilians: Darwin’s ultimate survival story
Until 20 January 2011, Museum and Art Gallery, Darwin
Come face to face with one of the largest crocodilians known to have ever existed, which may have measured more than 12 metres in length.
Exhibition: wildlife of Gondwana
4 December 2010 – 13 March 2011, Museum and Art Gallery, Darwin
Wildlife of Gondwana describes the wildlife of the Great Southern Super continent – Gondwana, from 3.8 billion years to the present.
Event Website: http://www.magnt.nt.gov.au
Queensland
Backyard explorer central Queensland
18-22 October 2010, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Mackay, Clermont & Emerald
A series of workshops on biodiversity assessments through invertebrate studies presented to schools and communities by Dr Christine Lambkin (Queensland Museum Curator of Entomology).
Killarney biodiversity weekend
23-24 October 2010, Killarney recreation hall, Killarney
In this year of biodiversity the Killarney Bushcare group are celebrating by having a Biodiversity weekend focusing on the wildlife of the area and the habitats they need and caring also for the health of our soils. It is sub titled “Microbes to Mammals” There will be highly acclaimed speakers, workshops , a live animal show, information tables, Saturday night barbecue and Sunday field trips.
David Suzuki – Cairns, Townsville & Brisbane
26, 28 & 29 October 2010
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
South Australia
A brush with biodiversity
15 – 16 October 2010, Kangaroo Island
A Brush with Biodiversity is a 2-day conference for Islanders and others who want to know more about the importance of the Island’s biodiversity to the economy and unique society.
David Suzuki – Adelaide
21 October 2010, Scott Theatre, The University of Adelaide
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Sprigg lecture series – Tim Jarvis: following Mawson
30 November 2010, the South Australian Museum, Adelaide
Tim is an environmental scientist, adventurer and conservationist and involved in many environmental projects around the world.
Diversity at sea: port river dolphins
Until 10 December, South Australian Maritime Museum, Port Adelaide
School students in all year levels can explore the rich biodiversity of South Australia’s marine bioregions. The program draws in depth from the local and topical example of the Port River dolphin pod and students will engage in innovative and experiential activities, including role-play and storytelling, using the South Australian Maritime Museum’s resources. It will be available during school terms in 2010.
Tasmania
David Suzuki – Hobart
20 October 2010, Hobart Town Hall
“The First Greens Oration” hosted by Senator Bob Brown Celebrating the birth of the world’s first Greens Party.
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
A year of wonder in the island arc
Until 21 December, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart
Hands-on real science and the wonder of discovery! Choose one or more of these elegant and achievable programs at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Victoria
Hyperbolic crochet coral reef project – the Melbourne reef exhibition
9 October 2010 – 9 January 2011, Burrinja Gallery, Upwey
The Melbourne Reef is a satellite of a Global Community Endeavour created in 2005 by Australian sisters Margaret & Christine Wertheim, of The Institute For Figuring in Los Angeles. Fusing higher mathematics, women’s handicrafts, marine biology and environmental activism, this project has captured the imaginations of people all over the world with ‘Satellite Reefs’ now being made on every continent (except Antarctica).
David Suzuki – Ballarat
17 October 2010, The Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Wild: amazing animals in a changing world
Until 30 December, Museum Victoria, Carlton
Be surrounded by the wonderful diversity of mammals, birds and reptiles from around the world. Experience Victorian environments such as alps, grassland, wetlands and discover why biodiversity is under threat and get clues about how we can create a more hopeful future.
David Suzuki – Melbourne
18 October 2010, Wheeler Centre, Melbourne
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Western Australia
Spotlight on species
25 September – 10 October 2010, WA Museum, Perth
Many of WA’s amazing plants and animals are found nowhere else on the planet. Some are under threat of extinction – can you help to save our species?
Kings Park festival
1 September – 10 October 2010, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth
The annual Kings Park Festival is on again this September, bigger and better than ever. Building on the previous 46 year tradition of the Wildflower Festival, the 2010 Kings Park Festival has something for everyone, with a vast myriad of spectacular events and activities that will appeal to all ages and interests.
Explore! Let’s hunt for bugs
6-7 October 2010, WA Museum, Perth
Leaf litter in forests is home to lots of different kinds of small bugs such as beetles, spiders, slaters, millipedes and springtails. You’ll discover this amazing world by helping sift through forest leaf litter, while Museum curators help explain which bugs are which. It’s a tiny treasure trove full of hidden delights.
Explore! Eureka! Diving for discovery
8 October 2010, WA Museum, Perth
Let’s get set for some underwater diving. See the diving equipment curators and researchers use when working underwater including SCUBA sets and commercial diving gear. Learn about the basic principles of diving and take part in some fun, simple experiments.
The rise of super predatory sharks
15 October 2010, WA Maritime Museum, Freemantle
Step back into the Age of Dinosaurs and explore the rise of ancient sharks as super predators.
Tales of horny beetles, truffles and gigantic eggs
15 October 2010, WA Museum, Perth
Insects and fungi both serve important ecological roles and often need each other to do their jobs. The remarkable earth-borer beetles and mycorrhizal fungi are prime examples.
Tiwest nightstalk
1 September – 16 October 2010
Tiwest Night Stalk season has begun! This is the perfect chance to get outdoors and explore Australia’s unique biodiversity. Each year, the Tiwest Night Stalk data is collated and made available online. It is also sent to conservation agencies to help determine the number of animals living in the wild, especially near urban areas, to track species distribution and better direct conservation efforts.
David Suzuki – Perth
22 October 2010, Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre, Perth
A distillation of the wisdom and experience of David Suzuki’s long and passionate love affair with Planet Earth and his legacy for generations to come.
Bioblitz
23-24 October 2010, Blackboy Ridge Reserve, Chittering
A ‘Bioblitz’ is an intensive, interactive and fun 24-hour snapshot of the biodiversity of a natural area. Volunteer scientists lead community members in surveys for all major elements of biodiversity – flora, mammals, reptiles, birds, insects and so on.
Whiteman Park presents ‘super natural elements’
12 October – 31 December 2011, Whiteman Park, Perth
‘Super Natural Elements’ is an Environmental Education Program which aims to educate students about important aspects of the natural environment including biodiversity.
Spectacular spider stories: a guide to our eight-legged friends
21, 22, 30 & 31 October 2010, Karlkurla Park, Kalgoorlie, WA Museum – Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and WA Museum Theatre Geraldton
Friend or foe? Despite their fearsome reputation, most spiders are completely harmless to humans.
Creatures of the night: frogs and geckos of WA
28-29 October 2010, WA Museum, Albany
Recent research into the two strictly nocturnal groups of frogs and geckos has revealed more diversity than previously thought.
Mini Muses – multiple events
28 October, 25 November 2010 & 24 February 2011, WA Museum, Albany
Mini Muses are a fun series of junior sessions (children 5 years and under) which will introduce your child to the wonderful native creatures of Western Australia.
Seabirds of Western Australia
4 November 2010, WA Museum, Geraldton
Take a journey on the seabird highway that runs from eastern Indonesia to the sub-Antarctic. From the equator to the poles, seabirds are a health marker for our seas.
Cockatoos in crisis
5 November 2010, WA Museum, Geraldton
Take a look at three endemic, endangered cockatoos, Baudin’s, Carnaby’s and the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, and learn about their unique conservation challenges.
We’re for fish
5 November 2010, WA Maritime Museum, Freemantle
Aboriginal peoples depended heavily on fish caught in stone-wall traps in WA. What relevance do archaeological records and traditional ecological knowledge shared by West Kimberley elders have for biodiversity?
Biodiversity in the ‘burbs
19 November 2010, WA Museum, Perth Cultural Centre
Do city dwellers know what’s in their backyard, parklands and ponds? It’s often the last refuge for an amazing diversity of animals that lived in the area first.
Rehabilitation as a biodiversity tool
26 November 2010, State Library of Western Australia, Perth Cultural Centre
Join Harry Butler as he discusses how rehabilitation can be used as a biodiversity tool, including the reclamation of derelict or abandoned lands to assist the restoration of initial or preferred biota of particular interest to miners.
Tales of fight or flight
25-26 November 2010, WA Museum, Albany
Who are the villains and heroes, victims and survivors in the changing diversity of birdlife in the Southwest? Take a look at the last 200 years since European settlement.
WA wetlands – touring exhibition
24 October 2010 – 30 June 2011, launching in Mandurah
The exhibition will encompass such themes as the importance of wetlands to healthy water supplies, biodiversity and living sustainably, myths and indigenous stories, and community activities to rehabilitate and save wetlands.
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This bulletin has been sent by Science in Public, on behalf of CAMD and the International Year of Biodiversity Coordinators.
Contact
Teresa Belcher, teresa.belcher@museum.wa.gov.au, tel: 08 9212 3760
Valerie Gregory, valerie.gregory@austmus.gov.au, tel: 02 9320 6342
http://www.biodiversity2010.org.au
IYOB 2010 is an initiative of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors (CAMD), funded with assistance from the Science Connections Program within the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.