Curtin University of Technology, the Science Teacher\u2019s Association of WA (STAWA) and Eco Education have officially launched their support of the International Year of Biodiversity .<\/p>\n
WA\u2019s Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley, gave a keynote speech at the launch event, held in Curtin\u2019s new Resources and Chemistry Precinct.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year is an important reminder that ongoing population growth and economic development comes with a cost to our natural environment and we need to be mindful of our impact on the world around us,\u201d Professor Beazley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI welcome Curtin and STAWA\u2019s commitment to recognising the year and working to educate Western Australians on the importance of protecting our unique biosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtin Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Jane den Hollander, said the University took a keen interest in issues relating to the environment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe local environment is very important and we all have a responsibility to protect it,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe International Year of Biodiversity is an important way to do this by raising the awareness of this important issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
The International Year of Biodiversity was declared by the United Nations with the goal of significantly reducing the rate of biodiversity loss around the world by the end of 2010.<\/p>\n