Lichenologist Trevor Goward: Statement on the Close on the New Species Conservation Auction

I’m delighted if the loan of one my undescribed lichens has contributed to such an effective grass roots organization as the Ancient Forest Alliance – a group definitely to watch! My understanding is that the top bid of $4,000 is a major boost for them.

As a taxonomist, I’m also delighted if my work can in some way help to preserve critical habitats for the organisms I study. As this is a first trial run of taxonomic tithing in Canada, I accept that it will take time for Canadians really to get behind this new method of conservation fund raising. I feel certain that future auctions of this kind will bring in even more funding as the public becomes aware of the honour inherent in being linked, even if only in name, to other living species that share this planet with us.

In the event, we couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate benefactor for this new initiative. I salute B.C. Nature artist Anne Hansen for her efforts to make a positive difference in the world through her beautiful art work and now, in addition, through her contribution to the Ancient Forest Alliance. It gives my colleagues Saara Velmala and Leena Myllys and me real pleasure to name this new hair lichen in honour of Anne’s late husband, the horticulturist and author Henry Kock, whose work as a conservationist really deserves to be recognized. From this day forward, Henry’s name will be remembered in Bryoria kockiana – a name I expect to last as long as our civilization does.

Trevor Goward