The Biological Conservation Research Foundation - Bicref - has celebrated its 10th year of ongoing efforts in aid of conservation research and awareness.

The organisation said it is continuing with its long-term projects, which include the cetacean and turtle field research and coastal marine and terrestrial biodiversity research.

This work was possible with the help of sponsors that believed in its work and achievements.

It said it was unfortunate that diverse life forms were being lost at an extraordinarily fast rate. So combining research with accurate awareness and well-planned action was essential at both local and global levels.

Bicref said its active members left no stone unturned to safeguard the natural environment. It was the first local environmental non-governmental organisation to assist and promote scientific field surveys at sea.

Its roving photographic exhibition of dolphins in Maltese waters, which could be requested by schools, was an important achievement allowing locals and visitors to appreciate such important species.

Founded by Adriana Vella, a conservation biologist who took on board the challenge of expanding her academic conservation research efforts to a wider public, Bicref was at the fore for its conservation awareness efforts on tuna penning and blue fin tuna conservation in the central Mediterranean region.

The organisation can be contacted at bicref@nextweb.net.mt or by post at Bicref, PO Box 30, Ħamrun. New members are welcome.