Extinction and the climate crisis are the key themes of the NSW Regional Environment Conference 2019 which will be held in Lismore. The crisis facing the North Coast koala population from deforestation will be top of the agenda.
The conference is being hosted by the NSW Nature Conservation Council and Lismore’s Friends of the Koala and will include a panel discussion titled ‘Species Extinction in a Climate Crisis’ as well as workshops on successful Northern Rivers campaigns to protect nature and the return of Githabul country to traditional owners.
Nature Conservation Council of NSW CEO Kate Smolski says they are very excited to be holding this year’s conference on the North Coast because there is such a high level of environmental awareness in the region. ‘The state of the environment concerns everybody in NSW, but it is of particular interest to people on the North Coast,’ she said.
‘People in this region know from lived experience that healthy communities and viable economies depend absolutely on healthy ecosystems and a healthy climate.
‘This is one of the most stunning places in Australia, with an astonishing variety of ecosystems, plants and animals.’
Ms Smolski says unfortunately, the region’s forests, rivers, and wetlands are threatened by a range of pressures. ‘These include unsustainable native forest logging, urban sprawl and the climate emergency.’
Ms Smolski said the conference was an opportunity for people to come together to share experiences, develop strategies and grapple with some of the state’s most pressing environmental issues. ‘Everyone with an interest in nature conservation and environmental protection is encouraged to register.’
The NSW Regional Environment Conference will be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Lismore Showgrounds. For more information, visit: the Nature Conservation Council of NSW website
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