Conservation symposium nears
The symposium will bring together over 140 speakers from across the globe for 31 sessions over six days.
The South Coast will be showcased as a key business events destination while celebrating the amazing conservation efforts and environmental significance of the region during the 11th annual Conservation Symposium.
The symposium is due to take place from October 30 to November 5 in Scottburgh.
The Conservation Symposium is hosted by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife together with its valued partners: WildTrust, CapeNature, Endangered Wildlife Trust, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Environmental Law Association, and Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers.
CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Phelisa Mangcu, said the symposium will bring together over 140 speakers from across the globe for 31 sessions over six days.
Mangcu said this will serve as a bridge between conservation practitioners, scientists and policymakers in a conducive environment to solve real-world problems.
“The symposium will cover a vast range of topics relevant to the conservation community with special emphasis on key areas including conservation law, the African wildlife economy, considerations for freshwater ecosystems, protected area management effectiveness, the science of funding, and a post-symposium workshop on biodiversity offsets. Other interesting sessions include canines in conservation, effects of the internet on conservation efforts, conservation genetics and how to facilitate convergence between various role players in the environmental sector,” said Mangcu.
She added: “We are so excited to be welcoming delegates to the Conservation Symposium to the beautiful South Coast for the first time. From our six Blue Flag beaches and three Marine Protected Areas through to endless nature reserves and wildlife habitats, the region is vital to the local and global ecosystem while offering incredible tourism activities.”
Also, Mangcu said this year’s keynote speakers include Deborah Vorhies of African Wildlife Economy Institute, Sue Stolton of Equilibrium Research, Dr Eddie Riddell of SANParks’ Kruger National Park, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa of the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute, Professor Ndeke Musee of the University of Pretoria, and Dr Erin O’Donnell of the University of Melbourne.
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