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2009 Brisbane l About the Conservation Forum
2010 Melbourne Wrap
Birds Australia’s Conservation Forum has become such a big event on the birding calendar that it doesn’t matter where it is held, the birders still come. On Saturday 29 May, 160 intrepid bird enthusiasts trekked in from all corners of the country, braving some inclement weather to catch a tram up Swanston Street to the University of Melbourne, the venue of the 2010 Conservation Forum & AGM.
The day’s proceedings began, as usual, with the Birds Australia Annual General Meeting. The possibility of a merger with BOCA was a hot topic of conversation at the AGM, and numerous questions about the possible union were fielded ably by CEO Graeme Hamilton.
The AGM was followed by the launch of the State of Australia's Birds by Kelvin Thomson MP. It quickly became clear that not only had Mr Thomson read the document he was launching, he actually understood its implications. In a wide-ranging speech he linked various conservation issues to the effects of an increased population, broaching topics including revegetation, public perceptions and endangered species.
The theme of this year’s Conservation Forum was "Connecting the Bush: from Backyards to Landscapes". David Paton was the first speaker of the day, and he gave a passionate and thought-provoking oration on the ideals necessary to ensure that revegetation is effective in achieving a favourable outcome for the birds. Sprinkled with a number of on-ground examples, he outlined various principles designed to ensure that ecological goals are met by long-term habitat restoration programs. David was followed by Andrew Bennett who used some of the results of his long-term investigation of changes in populations of woodland birds in Victoria to outline 10 key points which emphasise the importance of having a landscape-scale perspective in restoring habitats. Then Doug Robinson provided an overview of the practical issues faced by habitat restoration projects, using examples from his extensive and hugely successful work in the Longwood Plains of central Victoria. Cheryl Gole then talked about Birds Australia’s Important Bird Areas project, focusing on Phase 2, which involves engaging communities and stakeholders in the monitoring of as many IBAs as possible.
After a hearty lunch, Brendan Sydes reviewed some legal cases involving threatened birds, highlighting the contribution birdwatchers make to legal decision-making and outlining biodiversity law reform and its implications for bird conservation. Holly Parsons then gave an enthusiastic overview of Birds Australia’s Birds in Backyards program, tracing its history and achievements and providing a tantalising glimpse of its potential as it expands into a national project. Doug Humann used case studies of different Bush Heritage reserves to discuss the principles, benefits and challenges of collaboration with stakeholders (land holders, governments, and Indigenous people) for conservation on private land. The last speaker was Paul Sinclair who spoke on building resilience and making connections between people and Australia’s natural life-support systems.
Many people who attended pointed out how well this year’s Conservation Forum was organised. Congratulations to all involved.
Download a copy of the program to read abstracts of presentations given on the day. Download a copy of the impassioned speech delivered by Kelvin Thomson, MP to launch SOAB 2009.
 2009 Brisbane
Around 100 people enjoyed the presentations and Forum in Brisbane on 30 May . Download abstracts from the Brisbane Conservation Forum.
About the Conservation Forum
The Conservation Forum is a one-day convention which is a great opportunity for people (members of Birds Australia and the general public) to find out about Birds Australia, its projects and other conservation activities, as well as birds in general. Held annually, it is a day where a range of expert researchers, students and amateur birdwatchers give brief but interesting and informative talks on a variety of aspects relating to birds and their conservation or research. A different theme is chosen each year. There are lively discussions, and plenty of people who are willing to answer any bird-related questions you may have. The aim of the day is to enlighten people about all sorts of conservation issues and how Birds Australia and others are helping our birds, as well as to make the people and resources of Birds Australia more accessible to our members throughout Australia.
The Conservation Forum has been held in various regional centres and capital cities. In this way, people who are usually unable to attend such a function can go along. These Conservation Forums have become a tradition since they were first held in the 1980s, and incorporate BA's Annual General Meeting. Some long-time members may remember past Forums billed as Members’ Day or Scientific Day. If you are interested in attending this year’s Conservation Forum you will need to register. Advance notice and details of the forthcoming Conservation Forum are published in Wingspan and on our website.
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