“Many opportunities exist for carrying out useful research in the less accessible parts of the world. Despite the large programs undertaken by governments and other bodies there are still many areas, geographic and scientific, awaiting investigation. These are more suited to small cost-effective expeditions.
The Foundation was set up in 1977 to study the fragile environments of Antarctica, Oceania and Australian coastal waters. Diminishing world resources and growing populations must inevitably bring more people to inaccessible places, but we still have the opportunity to foresee and forestall unnecessary damage that may result from ill-considered development projects and to help ensure that development is ecologically harmonious.
The Foundation appeals to readers, not only in Australia but throughout the world, to join us in researching and so safeguarding the last unspoilt frontiers of man's natural heritage.”
— David Lewis, June 1979
Dr. David Lewis (1919-2002) was our Patron, a great seaman and navigator extraordinaire. A quarter of a century later his words continue to inspire the ORF.
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