World Wildlife Fund’s
Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature Symposium
Securing Water for Nature and People in a Changing Climate
Date: November 3rd & 4th, 2009
Location: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC
Admission: FREE
Additional Information:
http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/fuller-symposium-
2009.html
Register for the conference:
http://wwf.worldwildlife.org/site/PageNavigator/fullersymposium2009
Register for the Webcast :
http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/webcast.html
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WWF is proud to announce the 2009 Kathryn Fuller Science for Nature
Symposium, Securing Water for Nature and People in a Changing Climate. The
symposium will provide a state-of-the-science review of climate impacts on
freshwater systems, challenges to freshwater ecosystem conservation, the
role of adaptation in water management, and will provide a platform for the
development of an adaptation based “conservation agenda”.
Water sustains life, yet with little or no regard for its value, humans have
devastated freshwater ecosystems, in order to meet the demands of
population growth and economic development. Protecting freshwater systems
is critical for the future of both humans and wildlife, and now, adding
increased urgency to this mission, is a further challenge: climate change.
Conservationists and development professionals have historically chosen very
different and often opposing approaches to “sustainable” water resource
management. But these divisions have always been artificial and distracting,
and climate change simply increases the urgency with which we must reduce
this conflict. In fact, climate change presents an opportunity to discuss
sustainable resource management in a more holistic way, bringing together
opposing groups and focusing policymakers drawn to concerns over climate
change on a coherent view of sustainable development.
Climate change adaptation thinking emphasizes this shifting relationship
between institutions and ecosystems, and is an approach that promotes
flexibility. Using natural modes of adaptation as a template for sustainable
development should promote collaboration between scientists, policymakers,
and economic developers, and benefit sound conservation practice.
This year’s symposium will provide a state-of-the-science review on
freshwater and climate adaptation science and a platform for dialogue that will
provide feedback on gaps in our understanding and immediate needs for
research.
Key questions that will be addressed:
* What are the impacts of climate change on freshwater systems?
* What are the challenges to freshwater ecosystem conservation and water
management in a changing climate?
* What is the role of climate adaptation in addressing these challenges, and
what are limitations of adaptation?
Can’t attend the symposium in person? Visit the following link to learn how to
attend via a live webcast:
http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/fellowships/fuller/webcast.html
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