Early Bird Registration extended to 7 June 2007

The world faces its sixth great extinction event, driven mainly by humans. Our region faces special challenges including: island ecology, rising sea levels, changing rainfall and land and water degradation. These issues are overlaid by the general problems of habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, pollution and over harvesting.

This Conference identifies the major problems for biodiversity conservation in our region, existing and potential solutions and links to the global biodiversity initiatives. Real opportunities can be found in the nexus between conservation science and policy-makers, managers and the community.

There are five major themes:

• Regional Challenges (particular issues for the world)
• Managing threatening process of universal importance
• Case studies of conservation in action, including biodiversity monitoring and assessment
• Conservation science and policy
• Conservation science and the community (non-government organisations, indigenous people)

A diverse and balanced program is being organised, with international and regional Keynote presenters presenting a range of topics. Abstracts for proffered oral presentations and poster presentations will be requested.

The Conference is aimed at scientists, managers and policy makers in our fields.

Carbon Neutrality

It is the aim of SCB Australasia to make this conference carbon neutral. As such, participants are strongly encouraged to consider offsetting their air travel to the Conference. Two suggested schemes are Carbon Neutral and My Climate.

Carbon Neutral uses biodiverse plantings of native species to offset emisisons and plantings are guaranteed for 30 years. An online emissions calculator lets you calculate the required number of trees. My Climate uses carbon offset projects such as investment in renewable energy supplies, to offset emissions.

There are a number of other schemes available and all participants are actively encouraged to partake in this sustainability initiative.

Supporting Pacific Island / Developing Country Delegates

The Organising Committee of the 2007 Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference: A Pacific Response, believe that the participation of delegates from Pacific Island nations and developing countries is important to the success of this Conference in sharing of information and formulation of outcomes. To facilitate the participation of delegates from countries that may have economic difficulties in attending they have added a reduced registration fee.

The Organising Committee would also like to give delegates the opportunity to assist the attendance of Pacific Islanders and delegates from developing countries. Therefore, should you wish to donate a sum of money to assist such delegates in paying for airfares, cost of accommodation, etc, please advise the Conference Office. The donation form will then be emailed to you for you to complete and return.