Bommies Award 2012
Searching out innovative concepts to preserve the Great Barrier Reef in the face of climate change
It is now widely accepted that the Great Barrier Reef, like coral reefs around the world, is severely threatened by climate change. Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have already wrought changes in both temperature and pH that place the future of coral reefs more at risk than ever before.
New concepts, new approaches to old concepts, strategies from other industries and sectors modified to apply to the Reef - in all, new ways of thinking are required if the Reef, and our interactions with it, are to adapt to a different future. The Bommies Awards have been designed to broaden the solutions and adaptation "ideas –set" for the Reef.
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate innovative thinking, a willingness to work with different collaborators across a broad spectrum of disciplines and experience, and a commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change on coral reefs, in ways that may not have been thought of before.
One award, for one year’s duration, will be made annually by the Foundation.
Criteria
The Bommies will be awarded for a solution or adaption concept for the Reef, which meets the following criteria:
• Is innovative;
• Delivers practical outcomes to reef managers;
• Has climate change and the Reef’s viability as its primary focus;
• Has as its goal a measurable impact on the sustainability of the Reef; and
• Not otherwise diminish the economic social or cultural value of the Reef.
The Prize
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| The Bommies Award Sculpture |
Artist, Dr Vera Möller has created the sculpture, entitled
Bomborella, to mark the award. Vera describes the work as a fictional coral species, a hypothetical specimen, an imaginary marine life form, yet to be discovered.
The winner of the Bommies Award will receive a prize of $10,000 and a work on paper rendering an image of the sculpture.
An honour plaque linked to the sculpture will also record award recipients over time.
Eligibility
Any postgraduate may enter The Bommies Award.