Landcare Australia
An environmental pioneer tirelessly dedicated to the unique biodiversity of WA's South Coast will represent the state after winning the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award at the 2019 Western Australian Landcare Awards.
For three remarkable decades, Basil Schur - a project manager at Green Skills - has worked with the South Coast Landcare groups & community across the Central Gondwana Link zone, Wilson Inlet and Oyster Harbour catchments and beyond.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Basil has initiated planning, conservation and restoration of the rivers, wetlands and bushland of the region.
Notably, Basil established the Denmark Wetland Centre for community education and was instrumental in the coordination of the Balijup Fauna Sanctuary, working with the landowners to fence 110ha of native bushland in the Unicup wetlands of the Kent River Catchment. Running regular citizen science workshops in collaboration with the Conservation Council of WA and Dept BCA, Basil's ongoing monitoring of species reintroduced into the enclosure has seen a successful rise in numbers of re-introduced Bandicoot population and the other native fauna.
'Landcare is a team effort and I am keen to acknowledge the contribution and support of my Green Skills colleagues and many others in the programs I have been privileged to help facilitate,' said Basil.
'Recognition of this sort provides a boost to my enthusiasm and commitment to make an even bigger difference for our environment and rural community in the years to come.'
Basil will go on to represent WA while competing for the Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award at the National Landcare Awards in 2020.
Dr Shane Norrish, CEO at Landcare Australia, commended Mr Schur on his outstanding accomplishments.
'It's an honour to be able to recognise the great work being carried out by someone like Basil Schur,' said Dr Norrish.
'A hugely deserved winner, he has not only significantly contributed to the protection of native flora and fauna species through on-ground, grassroots activities. But through his tireless work, he is nurturing the voices of international environmental leadership and we're incredibly proud to help shine a light on his inspiring, important efforts.'
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