Global Conversation; Do rainforests have a viable future in the 21st Century? BOOKING CLOSED

Rainforests provide some of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet. They are home to thousands of different species and described as the ‘lungs of the planet’, but is humankind doing enough to protect them? With a growing global population and increased demand for land and food sources, rainforests remain under constant threat from human activity.

Research conducted at University of Exeter is investigating how humans are impacting different wildlife species inhabiting rainforests and the sustainability of human-wildlife interactions. The University is engaged with local and international policy makers to develop new approaches to balance economic growth with safeguarding biodiversity.

The event will feature two presentations from University of Exeter scientists who, from their experience in the field, will provide new perspectives on our relationship with rainforest environments. Following the talks, there will be a Q&A session to exchange ideas about the future of these habitats.

Speakers

Dr Kimberley Hockings will talk about her experience with great apes in equatorial Africa and her research to promote the sustainability of human-chimpanzee coexistence. Dr Hockings will walk us through the challenges of conserving critically endangered wildlife in shared landscapes, including conflicts over competition of resources, disease transmission, and aggressive interactions. She will describe how complex conservation problems require solutions that balance the needs of both threatened wildlife and the people that live alongside, and how research at Exeter is helping to engage local stakeholders in the development of locally appropriate and sustainable conservation solutions.

Dr Frank Van Veen will outline his research in Borneo, including the impacts of poor land-use decisions on the communities, biodiversity and global carbon emissions. Dr Van Veen works with the Borneo Nature Foundation and will demonstrate how its work and Exeter’s research is helping to prevent peat-swap fires, restore biodiversity and monitor the wellbeing of humans and large mammals in the area.

Registration

Booking for this event has now closed. If you have any questions please contact alumni@exeter.ac.uk