| The central question that we hope to address through this conference is how the sustainability movement relates to biodiversity conservation in the New York metropolitan region. Biodiversity is defined as the variety of life in all its forms and the interactions among them. Despite being one of the most human-modified places on Earth, the New York/New Jersey metropolitan region actually supports a diverse array of species--the raptors that nest on our bridges and buildings, the bees that pollinate our community gardens, and the shad that swim up the Hudson River--as well as natural systems that provide us with fresh water to drink, clean air, and other "services." Other questions we hope to address in this conference are: How do actions that are good for the environment protect or enhance regional biodiversity? How can we apply the sustainability concept to habitat protection, water quality improvements and, ultimately, biodiversity conservation? What is the role of grassroots organizations in connecting sustainability to biodiversity conservation at all levels--personal, industrial, societal, and global--and in fostering this connection? Developing a more sustainable society requires contributions from all sectors: business, academia, government and non-profit, as well as the public at large. This conference will attempt to bring these sectors together to examine the role of the sustainability movement in conserving metropolitan New York's biodiversity.
Conference format
The conference will feature a morning plenary session with two keynote speakers, followed by concurrent discussion sessions focused on the topics listed below. Each discussion session will feature a panel of experts representing various sectors, such as: non-profit, academia, business, and government.
Discussion session topic areas are:
Underlying each topic area is the importance of local action in conserving the New York metropolitan region's biodiversity. Because local actions are most effective when they involve the grassroots, each session is intended to illuminate the potential role of local environmental and civic organizations and volunteers in conserving biodiversity.
Following the afternoon's keynote address and wrap-up session, there will be a reception to provide an opportunity for participants and panelists to network and socialize.
Morning Session:
Keynote Address : A Global Perspective on Sustainability
Charles McNeill , Environment Programme Team Manager and Biodiversity Conservation
and Poverty Reduction Advisor, United Nations Development Programme
Keynote Address : A Regional Perspective on Sustainability
Al Appleton, Former Commissioner of New York City's Department of Environmental Protection
MORNING DISCUSSION SESSIONS
Education
Architecture and Green Cityscape
Food Systems
Afternoon Session:
Keynote Address: The Willow School: If Education is the Solution, What is the Problem? - Changing the Model
Mark Biedron, Co-Founder/Trustee, The Willow School
AFTERNOON DISCUSSION SESSIONS
Consumer Choice
Transportation
Natural Systems
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