Distinguished scientists added to the line-up of speakers for Island Arks Symposium
Two of the most respected figures in conservation and science education, Australia's Threatened Species Commissioner, Dr Fiona Fraser, and renowned science educator Professor Christopher Daniels, will speak at the eighth Island Arks Symposium on Kangaroo Island from 26 August until 28 August 2024.
Dr Fraser and Professor Daniels join an impressive line-up of keynote speakers from across the Asia Pacific region who explore the challenges, pathways, and solutions to successfully balancing competing pressures to ensure the sustainability of islands.
Keynote speakers include inventor and sustainable agriculture advocate Dr Nick Berry from Kangaroo Island, 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year Tiahni Adamson, ocean and climate advocate Tishiko King from the Torres Straits, Quahli Newchurch, Clem Newchurch and Paul Dixon from the Kaurna Firesticks Team and conservationist from the Kaipara Hills in New Zealand, Jo Ritchie.
The three-day symposium also includes 30 presentations from islands across the Asia Pacific region, a special welcome event on Monday, 26 August, when Professor Daniels will share his experience as a science educator.
"Presentations will cover a wide range of topics, from Indigenous land management practices, sustainable primary production innovations to technology and new methods in conservation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future direction of island conservation," KI Landscape Board Chair Andrew Mr Heinrich said.
"We are thrilled to have Dr Fiona Fraser and Professor Christopher Daniels speak at the event and share their invaluable knowledge and experience in conservation and science education," said Andrew Heinrich, Chair of the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, the organisation hosting the event,” Mr Heinrich said.
"Dr Fraser is Australia's third Threatened Species Commissioner and is committed to and passionate about threatened species recovery," Mr Heinrich said.
Dr Fraser will share her expertise in conservation and natural resource management followed by live music by KI local band Double Header at the and the Symposium networking dinner at the Kangaroo Island Brewery on Wednesday, 28 August, providing ample networking opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.
Mr Heinrich said Dr Fraser uses science, action, and partnership principles to work with First Nations people, conservation organisations, governments, communities, and the private sector.
"We are excited to learn more about Dr Fraser's work to lead the implementation of the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan, including examples of action on islands," Mr Heinrich said.
"Professor Daniels has been an incredible force in popularising nature education in South Australia and has presented on ABC Radio for two decades," he said.
"Professor Daniels' diverse experiences, from leadership roles at the Marine Discovery Centre, Cleland Wildlife Park, the SA Museum, the Junior Field Naturalists and Nature Play SA to his current role as chair of the Green Adelaide Landscape Board, make him a fascinating speaker," Mr Heinrich said.
"Now chair of the Green Adelaide Landscape Board, Professor Daniels has written 11 award-winning books and holds adjunct professorships at the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide."
Symposium registration includes access to all sessions; a ticket to the welcome function; all morning and afternoon teas and lunches catered by Kangaroo Island's premium food producers; access to the field trip focused on feral cat eradication on Kangaroo Island on 28 August; and a ticket to the symposium dinner on 28 August.
The Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote offers discounted accommodation for symposium attendees. Mr Heinrich said SeaLink provides a 10% discount for attendees travelling to Kangaroo Island for the event.
KI residents are encouraged to register for the symposium to receive the discounted rate of $200 by emailing event coordinator Sarah Kemp at sarahkemp@smartfuture.com.au or calling 0417 805 899.
KI resident registrations include access to all 30 presentations, a ticket to the welcome function on 26 August, all morning and afternoon teas and lunches and access to the field trip focused on feral cat eradication on Kangaroo Island on 28 August.
For more information and to register please visit: https://www.islandarksymposium...
