News & Events 8 November 2010
Environmentalist in residence
The Alcorso Foundation is offering Tasmanian environmental groups a unique opportunity to work with one of Europe's most respected environmentalists.
In partnership with Birds Tasmania, the Alcorso Foundation is sponsoring a six-week residency to Tasmania by Italian environmentalist Anna Giordano.
Alcorso Foundation spokesman, Simon Boughey, said Anna Giordano will be visiting Tasmania for six weeks, from mid-February to the end of March 2011.
"Anna is the recipient of the 1998 Goldman Prize (Wildlife & Endangered Species) for her pioneering work on the protection of birds of prey migrating across the Messina Strait, between Sicily and mainland Italy, a project she took on when she was just 15 years old," Mr Boughey said.
"A trained ornithologist with a doctorate in natural sciences, Anna is today a leader of WWF in Sicily and a respected environmentalist across Europe, to the point where she was recognised as a Hero for the Planet by Time magazine in 2000.
"The aim of the residency is for Anna Giordano and Tasmanian environmentalists to exchange knowledge, skills and campaigning expertise and to gain from each other's experiences.
"We also hope that relationships formed will continue into the future, and/or lead to further collaborative initiatives."
Chair of Birds Tasmania, Dr Eric Woehler, said he was looking forward to Anna Giordano's visit.
"To have someone of her expertise and experience in conservation here in Tasmania and engaging with the community is a once in a lifetime opportunity" Dr Woehler said.
"Her extensive efforts over many decades have seen changes in community attitudes, a massive decrease in hunting pressures on migratory birds, and a number of outcomes where business and the environment could co-exist into the future.
"There are no doubt a number of lessons that we can learn from her efforts that would be useful for conservation efforts here in Tasmania."
Environmental groups are encouraged to put forward proposals for conservation projects and activities with which Anna could assist while visiting Tasmania.
Expressions of interest can be sent to:
Environment Committee
The Alcorso Foundation
GPO Box 2010
HOBART Tas 7000
The submission deadline is Monday 29 November 2010.
Download an Expressions of Interest form (DOC) (PDF)
Media contact:
Simon Boughey - Alcorso Foundation - 0419 871 824
Eric Woehler - Birds Tasmania - 0438 204 565