The Kanangra-Boyd to Wyangala partnership (K2W) wrapped up a successful year at its Annual Forum at Jenolan Caves on 10 December.
Over 40 people including local landholders, researchers, government agencies, and conservationists attended the one-day forum to hear from a range of motivating speakers.
“It was an inspirational day which left us all with an increased drive and desire to continue working collaboratively to protect and reconnect our significant region,” says Mary Bonet, K2W’s Facilitator.
Dr Graeme Worboys, a renowned connectivity conservation expert and Co-Vice Chair IUCN-World Commission on Protected Areas, was the key note speaker.
“Dr Worboys spoke about global developments in connectivity conservation which highlighted the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative’s critical position on the international stage and the importance of partnerships such as K2W,” says Mary.
The forum was an opportunity to celebrate K2W’s achievements, showcase the successes of key partners and to promote the partnership’s flagship projects for 2016.
“It was inspiring to have such a great range of speakers representing a broad cross-section of our community. The forum helped to build a clear picture of what K2W is all about and assisted to reinforce the planning and priority setting that was done at the previous day’s Reference Group meeting.”
A major highlight was the official launch of the Glideways program, a suite of collaborative projects aimed at conserving gliders and their habitat across the Great Eastern Ranges.
“Glideways will be a major focus for our partnership in 2016 and beyond. We are excited to be working with a great bunch of partners including Taronga Zoo, University of Melbourne and National Parks & Wildlife to ensure that our iconic glider populations persist into the future.”
“In addition to Glideways, we will be continuing to build and expand the work we have been doing in K2W since 2012. This includes working with local school teachers to develop learning material for the school curriculum, expanding our strategic pest and weed management programs, and working with local Aboriginal groups to increase awareness and understanding of traditional land management practices and cultural values.
“Our 2016 Community Group Grants announced at the forum will assist by providing $100,000 of funding to community groups to connect and enhance natural connections in the K2W Link.”
“K2W continues to grow and expand year-on-year with new partners coming on board every other month. We look forward to continuing our work to protect and restore natural connections in this critical section of the GER corridor. Together we are achieving something far greater than we could ever do alone,” enthuses Mary.
