ICCB 2013 Program - Society for Conservation Biology

Welcome from SCB President and SCB Executive Director
Society for Conservation Biology
Dr. Paul Beier
SCB President 2011-2013
Professor, Conservation Biology
and Wildlife Ecology, School
of Forestry, Northern Arizona
University
Welcome to Baltimore, Maryland, also known as “Charm City,” because of
its welcoming and friendly people. Established in 1729, Baltimore is part
of the Patapsco River estuary, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. It is a busy
seaport and a major center of scientific research and development. We hope
you will take time to enjoy its rich history, interesting places, and diverse
people during the 26 th International Congress for Conservation Biology.
Whether you are attending your first ICCB meeting or your 16 th (like
Paul), the local organizing committee has organized outstanding symposia,
workshops, plenary sessions, field trips, and social gatherings, including a
pub crawl and a crab feast.
Our theme, Connecting Systems, Disciplines and Stakeholders, highlights the
importance of an integrated approach to conserving and restoring Earth’s
biological diversity. Reversing the decline of biodiversity demands that we
work together, integrating systems, disciplines, and stakeholders. During the
next few days you will be seeing and hearing about the work and achievements
of other conservation biologists, and sharing your stories. This sharing won’t
occur only in the formal sessions, but also in the hallways, coffee shops, the
exhibit hall, poster sessions, and many social gatherings. Each event at the
Congress is an opportunity to build a community of scientists dedicated to
conserving life on Earth. From pre-conference workshops to post-Congress
gatherings you will have the opportunity to laugh, dine, and toast your
successes and commiserate about conservation challenges still ahead. There
is still space available on a few field trips—check at the registration desk for
opportunities to observe local conservation challenges and successes.
The ICCB is a true celebration of life on Earth and our individual and
collective efforts to make a difference in our local, regional, and global
communities. At the Congress we will reflect on our accomplishments and
challenges, and we will experience pride in being the Society for Conservation
Biology. Maintaining and restoring Earth’s biological diversity by generating
science, disseminating science, advocating for the use of science, and
informing conservation policy is who we are and what we do. Enjoy the
conference. Continue your great work until we meet again.
Paul Beier, SCB President 2011-2013
Anne Hummer, SCB Executive Director
Anne Hummer
SCB Executive Director
A global community of conservation professionals advancing the science and practice of conserving the Earth’s biodiversity.
www.conbio.org
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