San Francisco, USA - DIVERSITAS, an international consortium of non-governmental and inter-governmental scientific research organizations, has launched the International Biodiversity Observation Year (IBOY). Scientists, biologists and ecologists around the world have committed to making 2001 and 2002 breakthrough years in reaching out to share their findings about the global status of biodiversity and how it relates to human welfare. Improving knowledge about biodiversity may be the greatest scientific and educational challenge of the twenty-first century, say this international team of researchers.
At the 2001 Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science biologists leading the International Biodiversity Observation Year will present information on new scientific findings and initiatives that can directly inform policy to support conservation of biodiversity and maintenance of healthy ecosystems. On Friday, February 16th, renowned ecologist Harold Mooney from Stanford University will present new information on the Global Invasive Species Program: Past Efforts and Future Plans as part of the morning symposium Stopping the Invasions: International Scientific Efforts to Stop Invasive Species (9am to 12pm). The symposium will examine how scientific information from around the world is being used to prevent biological invasions, focusing on intervening in the early steps of the invasion process, since once invasions occur, their removal is very difficult and expensive. In 2001 and 2002 IBOY aims to significantly increase awareness of the global impact of invasive species, in conjunction with an international initiative of the International Geosphere Biosphere Program - Global Change in Terrestrial Ecosystems which will synthesize knowledge of Impacts of Biotic Invasions in Terrestrial Ecosystems: Spatial Assessments, Base Rates and Consequences.
On Saturday, February 17th, preeminent marine biologist Jane Lubchenco of Oregon Stat
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Contact: Gina Adams
gadams@nrel.colostate.edu
970-491-1984
International Biodiversity Observation Year
15-Feb-2001