Welcome to the Earth Hour global community!

The conservation challenge we currently face is nothing short of a crisis which will require the best minds, the boldest ideas and the strongest wills in order to succeed.

2011 had it all! With some big successes, but a fair share of challenges too. From the introduction of a carbon price in Australia and the World Heritage Listing of Ningaloo Reef, to a crisis facing our marine turtles in the Great Barrier Reef, and disappointing progress on climate change at Durban.

I was inspired by the WWF-Australia team who were in the thick of the action in all of these and more, fighting for real outcomes for nature. Our supporters who stood beside us in 2011 gave us our strength.

As the team and I reflect on a long list of urgent conservation challenges for Australia, I wanted to share my top five wish list for 2012.

1. The biggest and best network of marine protected areas in the world

We are a coastal nation, and our oceans are home to some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. But today only 10 per cent of Australia’s oceans currently have some form of protection.

2. A resilient Great Barrier Reef

In 2012 we’re working towards a resilient Great Barrier Reef and greater protection for the the species that call the reef home by reducing farm chemical run-off, eliminating pesticides, and protecting critical species like turtles, dugongs and coastal dolphins.

3. The introduction of the carbon price and stronger renewable energy targets

If 2011 was all about a price on carbon, 2012 sees the urgent need to continue to work with key stakeholders, including politicians, businesses, WWF supporters and the Australian public to transition Australia towards 100 per cent renewable energy, and ensure the Australian government contributes to securing a fair, ambitious and legally binding global agreement to tackle climate change.

4. Sustainable Seafood

This year we will see our transformational fisheries partnerships improve the sustainability of the seafood supply chain in Australia, and educate consumers about sustainable seafood choices. With Sustainable Seafood Day on March 16th approaching fast, it is a great opportunity to remind friends and family of the importance of buying certified sustainable seafood.

And last but not least…

5. A successful Earth Hour 2012

How easy is it to get 1 billion people uniting to protect the planet? Well in 2012, Earth Hour will do just that. Earth Hour is a WWF initiative that symbolises the collective power of individuals, businesses and governments to reduce our environmental impact on this one and only planet we call home.

From its beginnings in one city (Sydney), Earth Hour has grown to millions of people in over 5,000 cities across 135 countries - a truly global community committed to creating a more sustainable planet.

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So our ambitious wish list for conservation for 2012 is just that. Things that we can do this year that makes a difference and that will help transform the way that we live on this planet to ensure there is future in which humans and nature thrive.