AMCS fight for Ningaloo Reef listing is successful

In a victory for people power, Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia has just been given World Heritage status by the United Nations! After a long campaign by AMCS, conservationists and the community, this iconic part of Western Australia has finally received the global recognition it deserves. AMCS Patron Tim Winton spearheaded efforts to protect Ningaloo over the last decade and said, "This is a great day for those many ordinary Australians who worked tirelessly over many years to ensure this natural wonder got the recognition and protection it deserves. This is one for the patriots who never lost hope. In such challenging times, it’s a reminder that positive change is still possible.” Ningaloo shows what can be achieved when we all pull together. Thank you to everyone who helped achieve this victory for Ningaloo Reef! For more information about the announcement read AMCS media release here.

SPOTLIGHT ON: Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmania (SCAT)

All around Australia Coastcare and Landcare groups are doing incredible things to preserve and conserve the  wonders of our coasts and oceans by looking after the land and water.

One of the great groups that we at AUSMEPA would like to draw your attention to is SCAT, or Southern Coastcare Association. It is located in one of Australia's beautiful states, Tasmania. Below find an introduction about them from their website and be sure to look at great SCAT newsletters with the latest found here.


It might inspire you or your local school to join in your local coastcare group for a healthy Australian coastal environment. Schools will specially be interested to look at AUSMEPA Student Leadership tools here

WHO WE ARE 

The Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmania Inc (SCAT) is an umbrella organisation for Coastcare groups in southern Tasmania providing support for Coastcare activities and a regional network for Coastcare groups.  SCAT is an innovative leader and supporter of community action for the management of our coastal environment.

WHAT SCAT DOES 

SCAT does many things, including:

• supporting Coastcare groups and individual volunteers by providing opportunities and resources to help them participate in coastal management.
• encouraging regional environmental outcomes by fostering collaboration within our Coastcare community.
• providing recognition for the vital role community volunteers play in protecting our coastlines.
• fostering a regional network of coastal stakeholders that encourages collaboration and holistic coastal management outcomes.

SCAT GOALS

• to create linkages between Coastcare groups,
• to foster regional coastal management outcomes,
• to promote Coastcare and coastal issues to the community,
• to create partnerships with Government and other environmental organisations, and
• to provide a voice for Coastcare groups in southern Tasmania.

 

PARTNERSHIPS AND SUPPORT 

SCAT is proudly working in partnership with NRM South, supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.http://www.scat.org.au/

Sea Jellies, Not Jellyfish

This is a fantastic YouTube clip explaining in overview everything you need to know about gelatinous creatures of the sea, not one of them is a fish. Invisibility is their disguise and bioluminescence is often the language they speak in the deep.

World Environmental Education Congress, Brisbane 19-23 July 2011

The Congress, titled Explore, Experience, Educate, invites participants to explore and experience the world of environmental education. 

It will will promote the key role played by environmental education in developing and enriching individuals, communities and societies.

It

 builds on a strong tradition of sharing the latest in environmental education theory, policy and practice. Congress participants will build knowledge through a multi-disciplinary, multi-sector approaches that  encompass a diversity of disciplines and knowledge. There will be time to explore and share new ways of thinking about environmental education, and experience new ways of doing environmental education. 

You are invited to learn, share, collaborate and view the best environmental education information in the region. Register here and come to visit AUSMEPA at the Exhibition Hall.

Oceania Dive & Travel Expo, Blue Edge -- ODEX

ODEX 2011 Brisbane | RNA Showgrounds

www.odex.com.au

Whatever your business or passion, the Oceania Dive & Travel Expo, Blue Edge or the 5th Underwater Festival will facilitate your professional requirements or personal desires.

What:

The Oceania Dive & Ecotourism Expo (ODEX) is a spring consumer and trade show that is co-hosted with Blue Edge, an international freediving and spearfishing symposium and the 5th annual Underwater Festival.

This event will be a family friendly 3-day extravaganza of product showcases, media launches and seminars relating to scuba diving, water sports, sustainable and adventure travel, underwater imaging, freediving, spearfishing, and marine conservation

Other Special Features Include • IF&SN Blue Water Hunting Forum • International Dive & Ecotourism Travel Hall • Marine Science and Conservation Hubs • More than 40 Seminar Presentations • ODEX Ocean Challenge • Cosplay@ODEX Competition • Lucky Door Prizes • 5m-deep dive pool • Social and Networking events • Local dive excursions • FREE Entry (conditions apply)

 

Where:

Avenues 8/ 9/ 10 /11 RNA Showgrounds.

Located just 3km from the CBD, 1km from Fortitude Valley and en -route to the Brisbane Airport and Gold and Sunshine Coasts, the Avenues consist of a series of interconnecting buildings situated in a veritable  boulevard of landscaped gardens and paved walkways that extends along Alexandria Street.

For more information see www.rnashowgrounds.com.au

 

When: 

Friday 7th October to Sunday 9th October 2011

Friday 7th October	Trade / Media / Public	10am – 6pm
Saturday 8th October	Public Day	10am – 6pm
Sunday 9th October	Public Day	10am – 5pm