Conservation inspirational figure Amalia Rezeki to appear in Australia

Banjarmasin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Amalia Rezeki, a conservation biologist from the University of Lambung Mangkurat (ULM) Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, will perform in The Conservation Biology Research Group, held by the University of Newcastle Australia, to convey inspirational messages related to environment conservation.

"I was contacted by the Biomes Online Exhibition committee to be able to participate in the exhibition held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Amalia Rezeki, a young ULM lecturer, who is also a doctoral candidate in the environment field, in Banjarmasin, Thursday.

In commemoration of Australia's National Biodiversity Day, she was asked to deliver inspirational messages together with several inspirational figures in the world of biodiversity conservation, including Prof. Dr. Birute Galdikas, a Tanjung Puting orangutan primatologist and conservationist from America.

The founder of Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia (SBI) Foundation, a proboscis monkey conservationist organization in Indonesia, also well known as an inspirational figure in people empowerment that contributes to the conservation of biodiversity, will appear on September 4-27, 2020.

She is the only Indonesia woman in the field of primate conservation who will share this inspiring message.

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Amel, her nickname, said she was very grateful for the appreciation of the world community, especially in Australia, who give her space and support in efforts to conserve biodiversity, especially the endemic primate of Kalimantan which are known to be unique and rare, namely bekantan or proboscis monkey.

"The Australian public's attention to the preservation of biodiversity is very high. Many students have an interest in studying conservation biology," she said.

"This was proven when in the last mid-year I gave a public lecture at New Castle University. The enthusiasm of the students to ask questions was extraordinary. They also really appreciate our efforts in preserving bekantan," she said.

They even spontaneously raised funds to donate for conservation activities she was doing in South Kalimantan.

Meanwhile, the exhibition committee expressed their gratitude for Amel's willingness to contribute to the event.

“Thank you for the help! Amalia is a great addition and I really appreciate you taking the time to shoot,“ said Rose Upton, organizing committee for the Biomes Online Exhibition - The Conservation Biology Research Group - University New Castle - Australia.

The exhibition is a collaboration among the School of Environment and Life Sciences, the School of Creative Industry, and the School of Psychology in Newcastle University, which coincides with the international online festival of Ars Electronica, Kepler's Gardens.

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