The International Biodiversity Network — comprised of 18 scientists from 13 countries — will gather Sept. 25-29 at CSU to address pressing issues around global health and natural resources. Scientists will engage with students, faculty and community members through seminars, lectures and roundtables in an event hosted by Warner College of Natural Resources.
As part of Warner College Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series — Further Together, which highlights conservation and sustainability success stories, the International Biodiversity Network will discuss transdisciplinary issues including biodiversity loss, climate change and wildlife health trends 5-8 p.m. Sept. 27 at the Iris and Michael Smith Alumni Center.
Warner College Dean A. Alonso Aguirre is an original member of the network. “Being able to work with these scientists for over 30 years, watching them grow and become experts in many topics of conservation and environmental sustainability has been a humbling experience,” Aguirre said. “Now, we can sit together here at CSU to address global issues including climate change, biodiversity trends, emerging diseases, consumption of natural resources, and strategies for protecting species and ecosystems. We are optimistic about how we conserve resources, and in a world where students need more optimism about these subjects, we want to highlight real conservation success stories.”
All CSU students, faculty and the greater Fort Collins community are invited to attend, as the future health of the planet affects all areas of life and disciplines. Registration for this free event is required, and tickets can be found here.
In addition to the Further Together Lecture, International Biodiversity Network scientists will meet with Warner student organizations and classes on the afternoon of Sept. 27. Students are encouraged to reach out to Dean A. Alonso Aguirre if they wish to meet with the scientists.
The International Biodiversity Network — initially known as the Wildlife Trust Alliance — was established in January 2004 in India when a group of scientists formed an agreement among individuals and local conservation organizations to foster innovative and local conservation efforts. Grown from a need for an egalitarian global fellowship that included voices outside of Europe and the United States, this group of dedicated conservation scientists and advocates have had international influence based on their renowned global conservation strategies. The network’s programs serve as models for excellence in conservation practice and foster international environmental stewardship.
Comprised of university faculty, this group fulfills a need for international cooperation around conservation practices, and they are one of the few existing networks for international science-based conservation. The network’s values include scientific credibility and evidence for conservation strategies, maintaining strong university ties and university-linked NGOs, and recognizing the importance of public and children’s education for effective conservation practices.
“Communication, consultation and collaboration are at the heart of their operation, and they look forward to doing just that with the CSU community,” Aguirre said of his network colleagues. “The group is also eager to explore some Fort Collins hiking while they are here!”
The event will start with a networking opportunity and reception complete with light bites and refreshments from 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 27, with a panel discussion and Q & A to follow from 6 to 8 p.m.
