Veteran Denmark landcarer a natural leader

Almost four decades of dedication to protecting the natural environment in the Great Southern has earned Basil Schur Statewide recognition.

Mr Schur, from Denmark, received the Individual Landcarer Award at last week’s WA Landcare Awards in Perth.

A project manager with Green Skills, Mr Schur established the Denmark Wetland Centre in 2005 to showcase how farmers could restore wetlands on their properties.

He also helped set up the Balijup Fauna Sanctuary in 2015, a 110ha predator-proof conservation area which has helped bandicoots and other native animals thrive.

Mr Schur said he felt a responsibility to preserve the south coast’s biodiversity after moving to WA from Zimbabwe as a teenager.

He said although he had received individual recognition, landcare was always a team effort.

“I think I’ve been fortunate enough to see much of the world and I’ve seen the pressure our finite planet is under and the loss and degradation of biodiversity both in Australia and worldwide,” he said.

So that’s given me the impetus to make a difference.

“I’m also an immigrant to Australia and that’s given me a sense both of responsibility and obligation to give back to the country and the environment that has nourished me.”

WA Landcare Network chairman Keith Bradby, who presented him with his award, said he could not think of a more worthy recipient.

Mr Bradby is also the chief executive of Gondwana Link, an organisation which has worked closely with Mr Schur over the years.

“Basil epitomises the strength of community driven conservation — energy, ingenuity, diversity, tenacity,” Mr Bradby said.

Mr Schur will now represent WA at the National Landcare Awards next year.