Launched in Perth today to mark the start of National Biodiversity Month, Shell EcoVolunteers will encourage communities to get involved in addressing the impact of climate change at a local level. The programme consists of three important focus sites in Broome, Geelong and the Atherton Tablelands, as well as climate change education workshops and volunteering opportunities around Australia. Commenting on the initiative, Russell Caplan, Chairman of Shell said: “Shell EcoVolunteers is an important environmental initiative for Conservation Volunteers Australia and for Shell – it will be a national effort designed to build a pathway for people and communities to get involved at a practical level, as well as to increase their understanding of the impacts of climate change. “We are pleased to be actively supporting local communities with initiatives that will help the environment.” Shell EcoVolunteers will be involved in three flagship projects, including: - Protecting critical nesting habitats for the Australian flatback marine turtle in WA
- Providing increased and improved habitat for upland tropical rainforest fauna in QLD
- Expanding the habitat and enhancing the resilience of the Southern Bell Frog in VIC
“By getting involved in practical on-ground activities that build the eco-resilience of targeted species and eco-systems, we as individuals and communities can help maintain Australia’s rich biodiversity,” Gerry Morvell, Chairman Conservation Volunteers Australia said. Shell EcoVolunteers is the latest initiative arising from the20-year association between Shell and Conservation Volunteers Australia and will involve a financial investment from Shell of more than $1 million over three years. The initiative was launched by the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Peel, the Hon. David Templeman, MLA. “I congratulate Conservation Volunteers Australia and Shell on this initiative, which is an important step forward in protecting Australia’s biodiversity against the effects of climate change,” Minister Templeman said. Shell EcoVolunteers, a three year programme, already has over 100 dedicated volunteers registered. They will soon be joined by Shell employees across Australia. - Ends - For further information: Website:  http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au/shellecovolunteers.htm
Contact:
ANITA HARBEN, Communications Manager, Shell Development (Australia) Pty Ltd, Mobile: 0414 453 990, Email:  anita.harben@shell.com, Tel: 08 9213 4613 Adam Hunt, Senior Account Executive, Edelman, Mobile: 0434 180 073, Email: adam.hunt@edelman.com | 
