The City of Boroondara in Victoria has won a United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day award for a local biodiversity project.
The award was presented in June for the ‘Biodiversity Monitoring in Melbourne’s East’ sustainability project, which Council led on behalf of the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA).
Mayor of Boroondara, Jim Parke, said he was proud of Council’s lead role in the unique project.
“One of the innovative aspects of the project was the citizen science components, which enable residents to help monitor the local environment and contribute their findings to the research,” said Mayor Parke.
“The community has been supported to undertake surveys of birds at specific reserves and wetlands across the region, and then send their results to Birdlife Australia.
“They can also monitor climate-sensitive plant and animal species by visiting one of three ClimateWatch trails created for the project, or downloading the ClimateWatch app.”
Mayor Parke said the City of Boroondara and other councils were using various strategies to protect and manage biodiversity, and by monitoring the health of flora and fauna, Council can be better able to address challenges.
“Climate change is one of the most significant environmental, social and economic challenges faced by the community, and Council is committed to supporting our residents with their biodiversity goals through education and advocacy.
“Biodiversity Monitoring in Melbourne’s East has been a collaborative effort and this award would not have been possible without the contribution of the other EAGA councils and our partnerships with the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Melbourne University, BirdLife Australia and ClimateWatch.”
The project is ongoing and councils will be continuing to use the project’s resources to monitor biodiversity and encourage more residents to get involved. EAGA is a network of seven Victorian councils working together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate adaptation to climate change.
The region includes Stonnington, Boroondara, Monash, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Knox and Yarra Ranges councils.
The United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards have been running since 2000 and are designed to celebrate the innovation and creativity of Australian organisations and individuals and encourage others to take positive action.
