Dr David Paton has dedicated more than four decades to preserving South Australia’s biodiversity and unique ecosystems.
David has motivated many South Australians to take a proactive role in conserving and restoring the environment through his role as an educator and researcher at the University of Adelaide, and through his leadership of several environmental organisations.
With his expertise in biodiversity protection, David co-founded Bio-R, a not-for-profit conservation organisation that has re-established hundreds of hectares of habitat. Bio-R attracts people from all walks of life and ages to its annual planting festivals, engaging thousands of people to make a hands-on contribution towards saving South Australia’s biodiversity.
In all these roles, David exemplifies excellence in conservation research, education and community-driven environmental stewardship, leading by personal example and bringing others along to share his vision.