2012 Student Conference on Conservation Science - New York

"This Year in Conservation" 2012 Panel Discussion 

SCCS­‐NY 2012 featured the Mack Lipkin Man and Nature Series Panel Discussion as a special public program on the evening of Wednesday, October 10. The focus of the discussion was “This Year in Conservation,” and featured an engaging conversation between four conservationists on their own unique careers, and how the important innovations, milestones, and events of the last twelve months have challenged and inspired conservation action on the world stage and in their own individual work. The evening's panelists included: 

• Dr. Avecita Chicchón, Program Director, Andes-­‐Amazon Initiative, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
• Dr. Malcolm L. Hunter, Jr., Libra Professor of Conservation Biology, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine
• Dr. Robin Kimmerer, Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York
• Moderator: Dr. Eleanor J. Sterling, Director, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, AMNH

The Mack Lipkin Man and Nature Series was established in honor of Dr. Mack Lipkin, Sr., by his many friends and admirers. Dr. Lipkin was a physician who was a gentle and powerful force in advancing the most humane and caring practices of medicine. 

This is a yearly event that is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact us at [email protected].  

Restoration And Reciprocity: Indigenous Knowledge In Ecological Restoration

By Dr. Robin W. Kimmerer, Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York.

Wednesday, October 10^th, 2012

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of indigenous peoples is increasingly being recognized by scientists and policy makers as a potential source of ideas for emerging models of sustainability, conservation biology, and ecological restoration. TEK has value not only for the wealth of ecological information it contains, but for the cultural framework of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility in which it is embedded. This talk will explore how TEK and the indigenous philosphies of reciprocity might guide the science of sustainability. The indigenous concept of the “honorable harvest” provides a framework for expressing reciprocity between land and people. Ecological restoration is a vital element in the exercise of reciprocity in which humans actively participate in the well-being of the land. Finding common ground between indigenous and scientific principles of restoration can couple the wisdom of TEK and the power of environmental science for shared goals of sustainability.

Reaching Beyond The Choir" And Other Career Lessons From The History Of Conservation Biology

By Dr. Malcolm L. Hunter, Jr., Libra Professor of Conservation Biology, Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine.

Thursday, October 11^th, 2012

Conservation biology is a relatively young discipline, making it quite easy to review some of its highlights with a view toward extracting a few insights about how young conservation professionals can be more effective. For example, we have learned that applied science cannot end with publication in scientific journals and talks at professional conferences; wider communication is essential. The importance of striving for creativity and being willing to challenge conventional wisdom is also apparent from a review of conservation biology. Thinking about moving from research to application reveals the need for being willing to take action but without compromising objectivity. Lastly, one cannot overlook personal considerations such as maintaining balance and hope in one’s life.