We are WELA: Tida Nou

 

 

Tida is an experienced conservation scientist with a strong commitment to working towards improved and enduring outcomes for nature and people. “My interests include improving the integration of research into planning, policy and practice; working in partnership with Indigenous communities in ways that combine Indigenous knowledge systems and western science, and the effective communication of science tailored to different stakeholder needs.”

Tida recently completed our WELA Weekend in Queensland. She shared some of her inspiration and perspective, here’s what we learnt from Tida:

Tida’s hopes for the future of the planet

“One of my three nieces, Annabelle, recently turned six. She really loves gliders; she has a stuffed toy, aptly named “Glidey”, which she takes around and wraps around your arm or leg (a glider hug of sorts). 

“My hope is that her and future generations will be able to see thriving Greater Gliders and other native wildlife in well-managed natural habitat; have their breath momentarily taken away by the dazzlingly vibrant colours of the Great Barrier Reef; and go camping in national parks where the soundscape at night consists of the rustles, scuffles, calls and croaks of native animals.”

Tida’s goals

“I’d love to:

• Improve my recognition of bird calls
• Be able to do the green grade more consistently at indoor climbing 
• Plan and do my next bushwalking and diving adventures
• Master the art of making my favourite chive dumplings
• Reinstate regular yoga in my life
• Procrastinate less (wishful thinking!)”

Tida’s sources of inspiration

“I really loved working at the Threatened Species Recovery Hub (which ended last year); a collaboration of brilliant, stellar scientists and land managers with an amazing commitment to support recovery of threatened species, communicating this research, and working to embed it in policy and practice-they really were an inspirational crew. 

“I have been privileged to work in collaboration with Indigenous ranger groups. The work they do (often in really challenging circumstances and conditions), is inspirational. 

“I’m always awe-inspired and heartened by the many people, community groups and of course WELA women who pull out weeds, trawl through environmental impact statements, write letters and submissions to councils and governments, run environmental education activities, stand up to influential developers and all kinds of other challenging labours of love, to stand up for the patch of bush, or the insect or bird or fish they care about.”

 

 

Why Tida chose to do the WELA National Program

“I heard about WELA through two wonderful, inspiring strong women who I am privileged to call my friends. They told me about what a wonderful, rewarding and nourishing experience it is, and when the WELA weekend was planned in Queensland they encouraged me to apply.”

Thank you Tida for your contribution to our planet and the WELA community.