Biosphere International is a non-profit association founded in
Gottingen, Germany, in 1992. Our main objective is to conserve
and regenerate endangered forests by assisting in the research
and development of sustainable utilization of these irreplaceable
habitats, taking into account the social and economic situation
of the local population. Environmental education is a crucial
component of our commitment.
We have established working relationships with Australian
environmental groups, government bodies and rainforest nurseries
of north-eastern New South Wales, a region where sub-tropical and
temperate zones overlap, resulting in a unique biodiversity. We
are able to offer interested students opportunities to undertake
field research, work experience and/or fulfill the practical
requirements for tertiary studies in: forestry, landscaping,
ecology, geography and the like.
Students can gain first hand experience in all aspects of an
Australian rainforest nursery. We also offer practical experience
in various forest and land regeneration projects, focusing on
forest damage evaluation, habitat identification,
location-adapted re-afforestation, weed control, erosion control,
waterway restoration and fire management. Guided tours by local
conservation experts are available on request to introduce
students to the regional flora and fauna.
In addition to the hands-on experience, an insight can be gained
into the current socio-economic and political situation, which is
on the one hand causing the destruction of primeval forest, and
on the other demands the conservation of these habitats. This
requires the application of new concepts for sustainable
forestry, and the development and implementation of
environmentally responsible farming practices.
The fragile eco-systems of north-eastern NSW are of far reaching
ecological significance. Many programs for their protection and
regeneration are in progress. The critical environmental
situation with its dramatic socio-economic and political
implications provides students with a wide range of opportunities
for both practical and/or research-based projects at graduate or
post-graduate level. If desired, individual field experiments can
be undertaken. Secondary supervision can be arranged through
Australian universities. Some possible areas of interest:
National Parks and reserve management, habitat mapping, regional
planning and nature conservation, permaculture, indigenous forest
use, wildfoods, medicinal plants and eco-tourism.
Please write to our Australian representative outlining your
specific interest, the nature of your requirements, and when and
for how long you would like to stay. We will then send you more
detailed information.
Biosphere International P.O. Box 550, Nimbin,
N.S.W. 2480, Australia