SYDNEY, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Australian Museum (AM) announced on Monday the first phase of an expedition for better environmental conservation on Norfolk Island, an external Australian territory in the Pacific Ocean.
Norfolk Island, about 1,600 km northeast of Sydney, is one of Australia's most isolated communities and one of its oldest territories. The island has a diverse environment and notable historic sites.
"With the depth and breadth of our scientific knowledge, backed by our valuable collections, we are uniquely placed to help inform future management of these areas and contribute to our understanding of the origins of Norfolk Island and how its ecosystems function within the greater global environmental picture," said Australian Museum Director and CEO Kim McKay.
The expedition, one of the most comprehensive environmental surveys of Norfolk Island, aims to add to the existing scientific knowledge and inform conservation practices. It will take place in three phases over the next two years, with more than 20 experts gathered in the first phase study.
The experts will, in collaboration with local communities, seek answers to a number of scientific questions, including whether there are any undescribed species on the island.
Scientists from the Australian Institute of Botanical Science will also conduct botanical surveys to help fill crucial knowledge gaps of Norfolk Island's unique flora, focusing on weeds and non-threatened flora that has flowers or fruit.
"In order to conserve a species, we must know it's there. Conservation is at the heart of our expeditions and the work we do throughout the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI)," said Kris Helgen, the museum's chief scientist and director.
Helgen added that the team will collaborate with the local community and consult the local conditions in both the planning and research phases of scientific expeditions.
In addition to the scientific surveys, the Australian Museum will be engaging the local community through education activities with the local school and a range of programs and events.
Archaeologists in the team will also research the pre-European history of the island, particularly the occupation of the island by Polynesians some 150 years before European settlement. ■
