International Symposium: Afforestation and Agricultural Conversion of Naturally Non-Forest Ecosystems

Times of Talks: 9:00 am – 12:15 pm & 2:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Talks are open to the public. 

This symposium will bring together global leaders in conservation science and policy, representing both academic institutions and environmental non-profit groups, to discuss and seek solutions to the environmental threats facing ecosystems with naturally low tree cover that are widely undervalued for their biodiversity and ecosystems services.

The symposium will feature eight expert talks that are free and open to the public. No tickets or registration are required. This event will offer the public the opportunity to listen to speakers covering a wide range of topics, and engage in discussions with academic scientists, environmental policy makers, and non-profit conservation organizations. The symposium will also set the stage for a workshop on these topics to be held the next day at Stanford's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.

SCHEDULE OF SPEAKERS

Morning session: 9:00am – 12:15pm

09:00 – Introduction to Meeting

09:10 – Relevance of the Old-growth Grassland Concept to ecology and environmental policy, Joseph Veldman, Iowa State University, USA

09:45 – Savannas: global ecosystems with an ancient history, Colin Osborne, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Coffee break: 10:20 – 10:50

10:50 – The multifaceted role of animal life in savanna ecosystems, Rodolfo Dirzo, Stanford University, USA

11:25 – Global change: challenges for conservation of the Brazilian Cerrado, Mercedes Bustamante, ComCerrado and the University of Brasilia, Brazil

12:00 – Public Questions / Discussion

Lunch: 12:15 – 2:00

Afternoon session: 2:00pm – 5:15pm

2:00 – Introduction to Afternoon Session

2:05 – Forest landscape restoration (FLR): progress, new challenges and emerging agendas, Chetan Kumar, International Union for Conservation of Nature, USA

2:40 – Mapping the global potential for carbon sequestration through reforestation, Peter Ellis, The Nature Conservancy, USA

Coffee break: 3:15 – 3:45

3:45 – Why foresters plant trees: the social and institutional causes of afforestation in India and beyond, Forrest Fleischman, Texas A & M University, USA

4:20 – Zero net loss of native terrestrial ecosystems: the case of Brazil, Daniel Nepstad, Earth Innovation Institute, USA

4:55 – Public questions / Discussion / Closing comments

5:15 – Adjourn