Studying the immense variety of life on the planet and the complex relations among living things — what we now call biodiversity — has been a fundamental activity of the American Museum of Natural History since its founding. In 1993, responding to concern among its scientists over rapid species loss and increasing habitat degradation around the world, the Museum created the interdisciplinary Center for Biodiversity and Conservation.

Center for Biodiversity and Conservation
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
New York, New York 10024 USA

Phone: 212 769 5742
Fax: 212 769 5292
biodiversity@amnh.org

What's New at the CBC

Student Conference on Conservation Science-New York (SCCS-NY) now accepting applications!

The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation is accepting applications for talks, speed talks, and poster presentations for our 4th Annual Student Conference on Conservation Science.  Visit the SCCS-NY page for more information about the conference and how to submit your abstract.

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Our Global Kitchen on WNYC's Brian Lehrer Show!

On Wednesday, February 27, 2013, Director of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation and Co-Curator of OUR GLOBAL KITCHEN: FOOD, NATURE, CULTURE Dr. Eleanor Sterling talked to WNYC's Brian Lehrer about the exhibition and how ecological systems interact with food.  Listen to the interview at the WNYC website!

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Understanding Ecological and Social Resilience in Island Systems: Informing Policy and Sharing Lessons for Management

April 9-11, 2013

Registration Now Open!

CBC/AMNH F. Arengo

This spring, the CBC and partners are hosting a three-day symposium to explore the unique challenges that island systems present to conservation.  Join local resource managers, researchers, educators, island leaders, policy makers, and other leading conservation practitioners to analyze and gain insight into promoting the resilience of island and coastal systems as well as strengthening networks for future collaborations.  The program will consist of synthesis talks, case study presentations, panel discussions, poster presentations, and working groups.  Visit our Conferences and Symposia page for more information on registration.

We are still accepting abstract submissions for poster presentations!  Submit your application using our Application Form.

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ABC Eyewitness News: OUR GLOBAL KITCHEN: FOOD, NATURE, CULTURE

AMNH R. Mickens

On Tuesday, January 29, WABC-New York featured OUR GLOBAL KITCHEN: FOOD, NATURE, CULTURE on its nightly newscast.  The segment featured interviews with Museum visitors, kitchen staff, and Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Director and exhibition co-curator Dr. Eleanor J. Sterling.  Also included were several of the exhibition's highlights, including dioramas of meals from other cultures and eras, exploring the science of taste in the interactive kitchen, the cycle of food production, and the future of food.  You can watch the segment on WABC's website.

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How to Feed A Growing Planet

On January 10, 2013, NBC News Chief Health and Science Correspondent Robert Bazell moderated an exciting round-table discussion at the American Museum of Natural History, "How to Feed a Growing Planet."  The program was presented in conjunction with the Museum's latest special exhibition, OUR GLOBAL KITCHEN: FOOD, NATURE, CULTURE, co-curated by Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Director Eleanor J. Sterling, Ph.D.  To prepare for the discussion, award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson (owner of Red Rooster restaurant in Harlem, author, UNICEF ambassador) toured the exhibition and talked about what food and cooking mean to him on global and local levels.  Watch Chef Samuelsson explore the exhibition:

Chef Samuelsson was joined by activist and best-selling author Raj Patel (Stuffed and Starved, Food Rebellions, and The Value of Nothing) and geneticist Molly Jahn (former USDA Deputy Under Secretary and University of Wisconsin-Madison professor) to dispel myths about population growth and food security, highlight the breakthroughs and perils of cutting-edge technologies, and share promising local and global solutions.  Watch the panel:

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