Biodiversity: The Interplay of Science, Valuation, and Policy

Program information for the ANNUAL MEETING of the American Institute of Biological Sciences, held 24 - 25 May 2006

Westin Grand Hotel, 2350 M St. NW, Washington DC, 20037

The plenary lectures from this meeting are now available for free online viewing in the AIBS Media Library

Overview

Plenary speakers and discussion groups at the 2006 AIBS Annual Meeting approached the topic of "Biodiversity: the interplay of science, valuation, and policy" from a variety of cross-cutting themes. In recent years policy makers have increasingly recognized the economic values associated with biodiversity, economists have increasingly found ways to incorporate values associated with biodiversity into economic thinking, and scientists have increasingly documented the variety of services that diverse ecosystems provide. Participants had the opportunity to explore the diverse linkages among these fields. The rest of the meeting's program was rounded out by events such as a poster session, AIBS awards, and a workshop on media training for biologists.

PLENARY SPEAKERS

• Daniel Esty, Law School and School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
  Title of Presentation, "From Science to Policy: Biodiversity Protection, Metrics, and Results"

• Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife
  Title of Presentation, The Endangered Species Act under Attack: The Dynamic Interplay between Science and Policy

• Shahid Naeem, Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology; Columbia University
  Title of Presentation, "Applications of Biodiversity Research to Human Well-Being"

• Richard B. Norgaard, Energy and Resources Group; University of California at Berkeley
  Title of Presentation, "Values and Valuation in a Rapidly Changing World"

• Stephen Polasky, Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; University of Minnesota
  Title of Presentation, "Valuing Ecosystem Services"

• Stephen Bocking, Environmental and Resource Studies Program; Trent University, Canada
  Author of Nature's Experts: Science, Politics, and the Environment
  Title of Presentation, "Defining Effective Science for Biodiversity Policy"

PANELS AND DISCUSSION GROUPS

Held throughout the day on May 25th between plenary sessions. Led by plenary speakers, invited guests, AIBS Board and committee members, and AIBS staff.

 
Discussion Group No. 1: Communicating about Science in Public and Policy Arenas.
Leaders:

Chris Mooney, Washington correspondent, Seed Magazine; author of "The Republican War on Science."
Learning to Speak Science: How the scientific community can win back its political influence in America

Matthew Nisbet, School of Communication, The Ohio State University
Framing Science: Understanding the Battle Over Knowledge

 
Discussion Group No. 2: Valuing Ecosystem Services.
Leaders:

Daniel Esty, Law School and School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University

Richard B. Norgaard, Energy and Resources Group; University of California at Berkeley

Stephen Polasky, Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; University of Minnesota

 
Discussion Group No. 3: The Endangered Species Act: Science Influencing Policy and Policy Influencing Science
Leaders:

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife

J. Michael Scott, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources; University of Idaho

 
Discussion Group No. 4: The Value of Monitoring and Assessing Biodiversity

Each of the leaders will speak for approximately 10 minutes on their respective topics. The remaining time will be a discussion that will focus on the considerations and challenges in assessment and monitoring of biodiversity, such as proper training, standard protocols, data management and sharing, technology, policy, communication, funding, etc. in order to gain a broader perspective on the issues related to this theme. This will provide the Smithsonian and other organizations with areas in which to work on improvement and facilitation.

Francisco Dallmeier Director of Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program — Gaining baseline information and trends

Mark Jones, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Black Bear Project Leader, North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. — Management of game wildlife

Jennifer Sevin, Education and Training Coordinator, Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program — Communication, education and citizen science

Alfonso Alonso, Director of Conservation and Development, Smithsonian Institution Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Program. — Oil and mining industries role, biodiversity action plans

DIVERSITY LUNCHEON (Pre-registration required)

Attendees interested in working towards expanding career, professional development, and service opportunities for women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in the biological sciences are welcome to register for the AIBS Diversity Luncheon on 25 May by checking the box on the meeting registration form. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with the AIBS leadership, interact with members of the AIBS Human Resources Committee, and network with others interested in creating a more diverse scientific community.

Diversity Luncheon Guest Speaker: Robert Stanton, former Director of the National Park Service. "Diversity in Resources Stewardship: An Imperative for Achieving and Sustaining Environmental Quality."

SCHEDULE

Wednesday, 24 May
7:00 - 7:30 pm	AIBS Annual Meeting begins Opening remarks, AIBS President, Kent Holsinger, University of Connecticut
7:30 - 8:15 pm	Plenary Lecture - Daniel Esty, Yale University "From Science to Policy: Biodiversity Protection, Metrics, and Results"
8:15 - 10:30 pm	Welcome reception and poster session

Thursday, 25 May
9:00 - 9:45 am	Plenary Lecture - Jamie Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife "The Endangered Species Act under Attack: The Dynamic Interplay between Science and Policy"
9:45 - 9:50 am	Presentation of poster awards
9:50 - 10:35 am	Plenary Lecture - Shahid Naeem, Columbia University "Applications of Biodiversity Research to Human Well-Being"
10:35 - 10:50 am	Break
10:50 - 12:15 pm	Concurrent discussion sessions Group No. 1: "Communicating about Science in Public and Policy Arenas" Group No. 2: "Valuing Ecosystem Services" Group No. 3: "The Endangered Species Act: Science Influencing Policy and Policy Influencing Science" Group No. 4: "The Value of Monitoring and Assessing Biodiversity"
12:15 - 1:45 pm	Lunch break Diversity Luncheon - Robert Stanton, Former Director of the National Park Service "Diversity in Resources Stewardship: An Imperative for Achieving and Sustaining Environmental Quality" Media-training workshop
1:45 - 2:30 pm	Plenary Lecture - Richard Norgaard, UC Berkeley "Values and Valuation in a Rapidly Changing World"
2:30 - 3:15 pm	Plenary Lecture - Stephen Polasky, University of Minnesota "Valuing Ecosystem Services"
3:15 - 3:30 pm	Break
3:30 - 4:45 pm	Plenary Lecture - Stephen Bocking, Trent University "Defining Effective Science for Biodiversity Policy"

MEMBERS OF THE PRESS

Accredited members of the press are invited to attend all events at no charge. Contact Erin Heath, AIBS Public Affairs Representative, at 202.628.1500 ext. 232 or e-mail at .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sue Burk
AIBS Meetings Director
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Ste. 402
McLean, VA 22101
Phone +1.703.790.1745 x 14
Phone +1.800.992.2427
Fax +1.703.790.2672