BICREF’s mission:

• Promote Conservation Research, Monitoring and Action;
• Increase local awareness of the uses and needs of Biodiversity;
• Bring to the fore issues related to local habitat degradation and species vulnerability;
• Encourage public collaboration toward a better natural environment for our children and beyond;
• Assist in the management of natural environments for Conservation.

  

The Foundation of BICREF

Accurate and detailed conservation information and monitoring is a must to safeguard our natural heritage and promote future survival of our biological diversity.

Conservation Biology is the science that deals with the study of endangered species and habitats. It also deals with the study of natural resources and their sustainable use.

Planning and managing biodiversity and species survival in the long-term is extremely difficult without the biological knowledge of the processes and dynamics of the species and habitats involved. Different techniques in conservation science have been developed in aid to protect vulnerable species through proper assessment and monitoring. As a conservation biologist, Adriana Vella, Ph.D. (Cambridge) is involved in upgrading local knowledge of conservation biology and its applications to the local requirements. After involving volunteers in the Maltese cetacean research project launched in 1996, Prof. A. Vella founded The Biological Conservation Research Foundation, BICREF in 1998 in order to allow these and new volunteers to assist in different conservation research projects as members of a non-government and non-profit organisation. This NGO has grown to be reputed, as serious and professional in its work, independent in its operations with the exclusive aim of promoting the conservation of our wildlife and natural environment.  BICREF is a non-profit non-governmental organisation.

BICREF membership is free since the individual member dedicates time and effort to the project/s he/she decides to assist. No funds are allotted to administration salaries! Proper preparation and training toward the research or project would also be undertaken when needed. Local awareness and fund-raising are other activities members would be involved in.

As the scientific coordinator, planning and undertaking the conservation research, Adriana is still actively involved in the projects taken up by BICREF, however dedicated individuals with research experience and biological specialisation also coordinate part of the conservation projects. With all the work needed locally in conservation research and monitoring BICREF encourages more research to develop with the proper expertise and experience.

Nature is not there for fun and enjoyment only and forgotten a few moments later.  It is there to be cherished and understood, improving the ways mankind can leave it better for future generations to take care of.  Investing time and effort in biodiversity conservation is the only way to a healthy and sustainable future.