Archive for February, 2011
Resource – 101 Secrets for a Successful Environmental Volunteer Group
From the suggestions of participants in the Sydney Metro Catchment Management Authority (CMA) 2009 Community Forum, the CMA has recently produced the excellent resource 101 Secrets for a Successful Environmental Volunteer Group. For any additional information please contact Helen Kemp, Community Support Officer, Sydney Metro CMA 02 9895 6207 or Helen.Kemp@cma.nsw.gov.au.
Seaweek 2011: Spotlight on Marine Science, 6-12 March
Each year, the Marine Education Society of Australia (MESA) runs Seaweek to promote educational issues of relevance to the marine environment. In 2011, the theme is ‘Spotlight on Marine Science’. This theme profiles marine science endeavours exploring the earth’s least understood habitat, the marine environments of the world. The theme also provides a focus for students in schools and for communities to inform and inspire them about the significance and value of research on marine and coastal environments. Through a spotlight on the work of scientists we can learn more our marine environment to understand its complex ecosystems and become better equipped to preserve it. To find out more about Seaweek events and educational resources visit Seaweek 2011.
World Water Day 2011: Water for Cities, 22 March
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. World Water Day 2011 has the theme Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge. The objective is to focus international attention on addressing the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. To find out more visit World Water Day 2011.
Earth Hour 2011, 26 March
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). To find out more visit Earth Hour 2011.
Sharing Water Knowledge Forum, 29-30 March, Albury
This Australian River Restoration Centre (ARRC) forum provides participants with the opportunity to actively participate in workshops addressing key aspects of water knowledge:
- Climate change, water impacts and adaptation
- Water planning and markets
- Indigenous knowledge and cultural flows
- Science communication and storytelling
- Groundwater and surface water interactions
- Managing environmental water
- Catchment scale processes
- Innovation and creativity
Workshop participants will be able to pose questions, add their own insights and tailor the information so it can be used in their organisation. The workshops will be complemented by keynote presentations challenging participants with new research and thinking in water science and knowledge management. World Cafe facilitated sessions, a pizza night on the riverbank and plenty of time for discussion and catching up with other professionals make this an event not to miss. To find out more visit Sharing Water Knowledge Forum.
Shenzhen Visitors Guides
Conveniently located just across the border from Hong Kong, the city of Shenzhen is a great place to start a discovery of China. Described as the window of China’s opening up policy, Shenzhen was recently judged the most liveable and third most beautiful city in China. I have developed some useful guides to help you learn about visiting Shenzhen and its many attractions:
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Guide 1 – About Shenzhen (PDF 0.2 MB) |
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Guide 2 – Shenzhen Attractions (PDF 0.3 MB) |
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Guide 3 – Plan Your Shenzhen Visit (PDF 0.2 MB) |
Clean Up Australia Day 2011 registration open
Every year, from Perth to Penrith, hundreds of thousands of Australians get stuck in and Clean Up their local environment by collecting and removing rubbish on Clean Up Australia Day. Be part of the largest community involvement event in Australia. Communities, schools and businesses are encouraged to organise a Clean Up Site and get friends and family to participate. Clean Up Australia Day is fun, easy and everyone can get involved. Key Dates for 2011 are:
- Clean Up Australia Day – Sunday, 6 March 2011
- Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday, 1 March 2011
- Schools Clean Up Day – Friday, 4 March 2011
To find out about creating a Clean Up site, joining a Clean Up site or making a donation visit Clean Up Australia Day 2011.
2011 National Environmental Grants Guide
The National Environmental Grants Guide is an annual directory of environmental grant and funding opportunities available from Australian Governments, corporate giving programs and major Australian philanthropic funds and trusts. Produced by Yarramine Environmental, the 2011 edition details over 150 grants from around Australia available throughout the year and can be purchased for $39.95 plus $4.95 postage and handling. If you are a Community Group and would like to raise funds to assist your projects, then consider reselling the 2011 National Environmental Grants Guide in your local community. To order your copy or find out more about reselling the guide visit Yarramine Environmental – 2011 National Environmental Grants Guide.
Submissions for 2011 Riverprizes open until 30 March 2011
The Thiess International and Australian Riverprizes are awarded for excellence in river management, and since 1999 RiverFoundation has awarded over AU$2.75 million in Riverprize awards. In 2011, Thiess International and Australian Riverprize winners and finalists will each receive a trophy and a cash prize. A twinning grant will be made available to the winner of each category to facilitate the sharing of their knowledge and expertise. Submissions are now open until 30 March 2011. The 2011 Riverprizes will be awarded at a Gala Dinner held as part of the 14th International Riversymposium (26-29 September 2011, Brisbane, Australia). To find out more or apply visit Riverprize 2011 – How to enter.
Landshare Australia
Landshare Australia brings together people who have a passion for home-grown food, connecting those who have land to share with those who need land for cultivating food. The concept of Landshare began in the UK, launched through the River Cottage television program in 2009, and has since grown into a thriving community of more than 57,000 growers, sharers and helpers across the country. Landshare is now in Australia and welcomes you to come and take part. Read the rest of this entry »