The Association for Tropical Biology & Conservation (ATBC) is the largest organization in the world for the study of biology and conservation across the world, especially in tropics. It comprises of 55 countries and with academics and researchers from all major universities and institutions in the world. They have annual conferences to share ideas, teach students, build collaboration and strengthen biodiversity conservation. Every year the conference is held in different countries. This year it came to cairns hosted by James Cook Uni. Last year was in Costa Rica and next year would be in Hawaii. More than 600 scientists, ranging from graduate students to world re-known biologists attended. Apart from talks from Australian distinguished professors like William Laurance and Tim Flannery, the association brought 2 highlights. They called on the Australian government to further protect Great Barrier Reef and called on PNG to invest in research and post-graduate training. At every ATBC conference, the scientists identify key/ major issues in biodiversity research and conservation and call on the government to act or include in their policies. The recent convention in cairns brought the scientists to see that PNG is so diverse but lacks research. That’s why they made the declaration to inform PNG. The declaration was proposed by all the PNG associated biologists headed by Prof Vojtech Novotny who is one of the worlds leading tropical biologists, based in Madang and Czech Republic. The proposal was brought to the ATBC council to discuss and declare it as a very important issue. The ATBC council (in other words the 53 country scientists) saw that PNG lacks research and funding, although it is the worlds leading biodiverse country. They are now asking PNG government to consider the resolutions and incorporate in its Vision 2050 action plans. For more information: tropicalbiology.org/atbc-resolution22/ news.mongabay/2014/07224-atbc-declaration-png.html atbc2014.org/
Posted on: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 08:56:11 +0000
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