Earth Survey: Aug 10, 2006

Welcome!

Ever since I was a child, I have been very interested in nature and the environment. I have a B.S. degree in wildlife biology, and have worked as a zookeeper, wildlife biologist, and ecologist. I am conducting a brief survey of world leaders, government officials, religious leaders, corporate CEOs, environmental groups, wildlife experts, and others regarding nature and the environment. I am also very interested in religious views, customs, and beliefs from around the world, and the interactions between religion, culture, society, and the environment. This is something I am doing out of personal interest, and is not connected to any group or organization. I have been working on this project since the summer of 2006, and hope to eventually turn it into a book and/or documentary. I am hoping to make this into a global project, with responses from all segments of society. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or comments. If you have not already done so, I hope that you will consider taking part in my project, and please spread the word to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks for stopping by!

TAKE THE SURVEY ONLINE HERE http://tinyurl.com/nx4ng7

August 10, 2006

Bernie Masters

Floating Islands Australasia

Today's Date: 10 August 2006

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Swimming with sea lions at Seal Island near Perth, Western Australia

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes, Melvista Swamp, a semi-natural unmanaged wetland within a local park near central Perth

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

Southern Brown Bandicoot - a threatened marsupial than occasionally visits our garden to feed

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

Protecting as much of the remaining natural environment now and into the future until global population begins to decline in 30 or so years.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Sustainability is a journey, not an endpoint, so continually assess your impacts on the planet and reduce those impacts as you learn new techniques to do so.