WWF seeks Antarctic Champion in International Polar Year
01 Feb 2008
This weekend, WWF-Australia launches a global search for a leader for WWF's Antarctic and Southern Ocean Initiative - one of the most exciting and challenging conservation positions in the world.
Speaking from Hobart, Dr Denzil Miller, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), recipient of the 2007 Duke of Edinburgh's award for services to Antarctic conservation and management, commended the position: "Antarctica needs a new breed of champion, someone who can tackle the threats to Antarctica both old and new in ways that enhance the conservation and protection of one of the most unique areas of our planet. In International Polar Year this must surely be one of the most important Antarctic jobs out there."
Despite enjoying long-standing legal protection and some of the most advanced science and management, the region is subject to increasing threats and a growing human footprint. This is most obvious in the Southern Ocean with a growth of krill fisheries, an increasing threat from shipping incidents, an expanding whaling program, and rapid climate change impacts.
"We are looking for someone who will carry on the legacy of Antarctic conservation - someone who can rekindle the spirit of stewardship and protection and who can inspire a new generation of champions for Antarctica", said WWF Conservation Director Dr Ray Nias. "This is one of the most exciting conservation positions in a generation - it is a unique opportunity with one of the world's most respected environmental organisations".
One of the world's most significant conservation victories - the establishment of Antarctica as a sanctuary - may be unravelling as nations prepare to stake territorial claims and chase the regions vast wildlife and mineral resources.
In 1991 the signatory nations of the Antarctic Treaty agreed to a 50-year moratorium on commercial mining activity. Within the next 30 years many nations will again turn their attention to the potential extraction of mineral resources from Antarctica and its continental shelf. Maintaining this moratorium is essential if we are to protect the region in its near pristine condition. Without a new generation of Antarctic conservation leadership some of these successes are likely to be forgotten.
WWF has a proud history or work to protect the Antarctic and Southern Ocean, stretching back 50 years to one of the organisations founders, Sir Peter Scott. Based in Australia, the position leads a global program with major contributions from WWF around the world, particularly the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and WWF's international secretariat headquarters in Switzerland.
Contacts
Dr Ghislaine Llewellyn, Oceans Program Leader, Sydney0406 380 801
Dr Ray Nias, Conservation Director, Sydney
0414 917 297
