Ever had an idea that could change the world? Taronga Conservation Society Australia has launched an initiative that offers up to $50,000 for innovative conservation ideas and inventions that will help protect our wildlife and help secure a sustainable future for the planet.

Previous projects that have benefited from a Taronga Green Grant include Take 3: a community initiative that encourages people to take three pieces of rubbish every time they visit the beach, and Wildlife Witness: an app that lets visitors to Southeast Asia document and report possible wildlife trafficking.

As a leader in wildlife conservation, Taronga works to educate, encourage and empower people to act for the wild and create positive outcomes for wildlife and the environment. Taronga Green Grants is just one of the many conservation programs Taronga runs in Australia and overseas.

“Taronga is for the wild and we have an absolute commitment to the conservation of wildlife and to securing a shared future for wildlife and people,” says Taronga CEO, Cameron Kerr.

“Taronga Green Grants are offered to members of the community who have the best ideas that will contribute towards that vision.

“Whether you’re an established conservation group; an emerging social enterprise; a community working together; or an individual who wants to take action and make a difference; if you have a great idea, Taronga wants to hear about it— and will help put the best into action.

“We’re looking for innovative ideas from the next generation of conservation champions—ideas that will create a tangible conservation outcome for the environment and will inspire and empower communities to live more sustainably.

“We all have a responsibility to protect the world’s wildlife,” says Mr Kerr. “There’s something we can all do, from choosing sustainable seafood with the MSC label to reducing your use of single-use plastics. If you have your own bright idea for a brighter future, a Taronga Green Grant could give you the funding you need to get it off the ground.”

Find out more about Taronga Green Grants and how you can apply at tarongagreengrants.org. 

Applications for Taronga Green Grants are open now and close on Sunday 4 June 2017.

Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga) is a not-for-profit public trading enterprise that leads in wildlife conservation, science and research; animal welfare and rehabilitation; environmental education; and tourism and guest experiences.

Taronga’s two zoos — Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo — are centres of excellence for regional and global conservation efforts. Taronga’s expert staff, scientists and researchers work in partnerships with governments, universities and conservation organisations on dozens of wildlife conservation projects and breeding programs in Australia and around the world.

For the animals in its care, Taronga provides the highest standards of animal welfare through excellent husbandry, veterinary management, nutrition, enrichment and housing.

For the 1.8 million guests that visit its Zoos each year, Taronga creates experiences that inspire lasting connections to wildlife. Through education programs, community engagement and environmental campaigning, Taronga works to create the next-generation of conservation champions.

Taronga is committed to conservation, the welfare of the animals in its care and transformative guest experiences. Taronga’s vision is to secure a shared future for wildlife and people.