9 AM: Arrivals and registration
9:15 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks: President and CEO Judy Gradwohl and Vice President of Science and Conservation Dr. Michael Wall
9:30 AM: Keynote address from Todd Keeler-Wolf—California-Style Biodiversity: Why We Wonder, Worry, and Hope.
10:15 AM: Break
10:30 AM: Morning Concurrent Sessions
Session A—Implications of Black-Market Biodiversity: In this session, “black-market biodiversity” will encompass illegal wildlife trade and smuggling, poaching, violence against conservation advocates, and more. Experts from organizations in both Southern California and Peninsular Baja California will share their experiences with these issues and offer perspective on how to prevent them moving forward. Speaker profile page.
Session B—HCPs for Conservation and Discovery: Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are essential to species conservation and the mitigation of ecological threats faced by the county. In this session, experts will reflect on the history and implementation of HCPs in San Diego County. In addition, panelists will discuss the roles of corridors and connectivity, wildfire risk, and biodiversity discovery within the context of HCPs. Speaker profile page.
12 PM: Lunch (provided)
1:15 PM: Afternoon Concurrent Sessions
Session C—Biodiversity and Human Health: As our environment’s composition is continually threatened, there is a growing need to understand the public health implications of biodiversity and habitat loss. Our expert panelists will highlight the relationship between biodiversity and human health through topics such as the impacts of exotic species, emerging diseases, the benefits of outdoor experiences on mental health, and tribal perspectives on nature’s role in health and well-being. Speaker profile page.
Session D—San Diego Canyon Conservation: San Diego’s canyons are an integral part of our region’s landscape, culture, and species diversity. Shoreline and inland communities are continually being developed, causing high levels of fragmentation between canyons and jeopardizing the species within them. Researchers in this session will discuss the ecological disruptions our canyons face as well as the challenges and successes in managing these threats and the role of environmental education. Speaker profile page.
2:45 PM: Break
3 PM: Closing Town Hall Panel: A Path Forward, moderated by V.P. of Science and Conservation Dr. Michael Wall.
3:30 PM: Symposium ends. Guests invited to rooftop for VIP happy hour!
Please note: The Tuesday, February 11, Nat Talk: The State of Biodiversity, will summarize highlights from the symposium. This is a separately ticketed event. Registration will open in early January.