Amelia Strazdins
The world is reaching a crisis point. From daily temperatures reaching the highest they have ever been to an increasing number of species being listed as endangered, the threat towards our environment is growing exponentially. In order to mitigate these growing issues, conservation and preservation of these various environmental ecosystems and their animals must take priority on both a political and social level.
Thus, the question is posed, how do we ensure the long-term conservation and protection of our local environment? Our local surroundings are comprised of various different types of flora, fauna and spices. Whilst we are so lucky to experience such biodiversity, it also falls upon us to ensure we are taking the correct steps to prevent further degradation and harm to these areas.
There are so many actionable steps we can incorporate into our daily lives. From picking up rubbish on a walk, to using more eco-based products, to ensuring that pets do not cause harm to native wildlife - all these seemingly little steps make a big difference. When at the beach, staying off sand-dunes and using reef-safe sunscreen both assist in preserving our water ecosystems.
There are also many organisations and local community groups committed to this cause. Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) is a locally based organisation that is committed to protecting and improving our environment. Founded and run by local community members, the group runs various activities aimed at involving community and simultaneously cleaning up our Island. There is so much to get involved in, whether it be their monthly social meeting, to get a feel for what they do or signing yourself and a friend up for one of their many events based around Bribie. Their website provides both dates and times if you are eager to get involved.
It is so incredibly important that we continue to support such organisations, both locally and nationally, as they continue to assist in protecting our endangered species and persist in their fight to preserve our environment. Issues of climate change and conservation of the environment impact every person on this earth and is not an issue that we can ignore or pass off as being ‘a problem for the future generations’.
Donations and volunteering for environmental causes and organisations is always helpful. However, perhaps one of the most helpful actions that can be taken is to educate both ourselves and others. Understanding the issues surrounding environmental conservation and sharing knowledge all assists in raising awareness of the problem. Environmental degradation is a growing crisis and the need for conservation and protection is more prevalent than ever. Whether you take smaller steps by reducing your use of plastics or sign yourself up to a local environmental event, every form of action is vital to ensuring the conservation of our environment and our earth.
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