Last year, as a active member of both main birding organizations, I
attempted to list some of the reasons why I believe membership is
worthwhile.
The list was compiled with the help of other members of each or both
birding organizations and may well have been expanded or modified
since it was first submitted for discussion on the future of one
organization. Some of the listed points may no longer be correct
because of recent chances to both organizations.
At the time there was no input from non-members and after reading the
'Percentage of birders in Australia' thread over recent weeks I think
that it may be interesting to receive feedback from members of a
community of computer literate birdos (who are probably still a
minority of the total birding community).
Birding organizations provide opportunities for members to:
1. Enjoy and contribute to publications such as 'The Bird
Observer' & 'Wingspan'
2. Attend birding outings and educational activities.
3. Access information (libraries, websites etc.)
4. Buy birding books, optics and gifts at significant discounts.
5. Get more enjoyment from, and appreciation of, the natural
environment.
6. Enjoy and contribute to an enthusiastic social network.
7. Belong to local/regional groups.
8. Encourage and inspire other members and non-members.
9. Learn and teach about birds and their habitats.
10. Support environment conservation activities.
11. Support graduate and post-graduate students.
12. Help in the development of policies.
13. Influence submissions to planning authorities.
14. Enjoy being volunteers for worthwhile non-profit organizations.
Birding organizations benefit the community by providing:
1. Friendly information services to the general community.
2. Retail sales outlets for birding books and equipment.
3. Educational resources suitable for all age groups.
4. Sorting houses for community observations of birds.
5. Potential early warning systems of environmental changes.
6. Opportunities for responsible eco-tourism.
7. Influential lobby groups able to act on behalf of birds and
bird habitats.
8. Sources of finance for selected community biodiversity projects.
9. Assistance with, and/or support for, funding applications to
government and non- government agencies, philanthropic trusts etc.
Birding organizations benefit the birds by providing:
1. General hazard reduction through improved awareness and
appreciation of wild birds and the promotion of ethical birding.
2. Improved breeding and survival prospects through the
protection, enhancement and expansion of specific habitats.
3. Encouragement/ persuasion of planning authorities to consider
biodiversity issues in all decision making.
4. Support for academic study - Ornithology and other
Environmental Sciences.
Birding organizations benefit ecosystems by:
1. Promoting the scientific study of ecosystems.
2. Conducting ongoing surveys, both formal and informal, to
detect significant changes.
3. Encouraging enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers to cull
invasive weeds and vermin.
4. Reducing the risks of destruction/degradation due to human
ignorance and/or greed through public advocacy for biodiversity.
5. Purchase and/or management of endangered ecosystems to prevent
destruction, damage and exploitation.
Peter Thomson
===============================
www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
===============================
|