The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), one of Australia’s leading environmental organisations, has announced the appointment of award-winning author, presenter and environmentalist Natalie Kyriacou OAM as its new national ambassador.
Ms Kyriacou, who was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, has won several accolades and recognitions for her contributions to wildlife and environmental conservation. She brings extensive experience and influence to her new role. She was also a United Nations Environment Programme Young Champion of the Earth Finalist, listed among LinkedIn’s 2022 “Top Green Voices”, and recognised as one of The Australian’s 2022 “Top Innovators.”
Her bestselling book, Nature’s Last Dance, explores humanity’s complex relationship with the environment, highlighting the ongoing struggle for survival taking place across ecosystems, from forests and oceans to communities and courtrooms. The book has been praised for its timely insights into biodiversity loss and climate anxiety.
“There are people in this world who see magic because they look for it. And then they fight to protect it. ACF is a community of those people: the ones who still find wonder, even when it’s hard, and who believe this world is worth fighting for,” she said.
“These are the people I want to stand with. It is a privilege to be an ACF ambassador.”
Her announcement coincides with the federal government’s preparation to introduce major reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, a critical piece of legislation for safeguarding Australia’s ecosystems, set to be tabled in Parliament this week.
ACF’s Acting CEO, Dr Paul Sinclair, welcomed the appointment, noting that Ms Kyriacou’s voice comes at a pivotal time. He said, “Stories like those told by Natalie are so important because they remind us of the immense value of the living connections between people and nature. Breaking those connections is catastrophic for lives on Earth.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Natalie into the ACF community at this unprecedented moment in time, because nature needs us, now.
“With a growing network and audience of young Australians, Natalie has become a top commentator in the media, offering sharp insights and compelling case studies from around the world about how we can and should look to the natural world for innovative solutions to our most existential threats,” he said.
