Biodiversity and conservation in the spotlight at University forum

Thursday 17 May 2007

Biodiversity, conservation and our region is the focus of a major forum taking place at the University of Newcastle tomorrow.

The fourth Farrell Institute Forum will feature presentations from three leading experts on biodiversity and will question whether current conservation efforts are achieving the desired outcomes.

Robert Humphries, General Manager of Eco Trades, will discuss a newly enacted amendment to the Threatened Species Conservation Act that sets up a biodiversity banking (BioBanking) and offsets scheme in New South Wales.

"The scheme introduces for the first time in New South Wales a market-based approach to putting a value or cost on protecting and managing biodiversity on private land," Mr Humphries said.

"In theory, the scheme is expected to provide greater certainty for developers with a simpler, quicker and therefore cheaper environmental assessment process, yet still provide long-term conservation outcomes.

"The key question for developers and conservationists is whether BioBanking can achieve both the promised conservation outcomes and the streamlined assessment process."

Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, Professor John Rodger, said the forum would generate important discussion about addressing modern and future environmental challenges.

"The Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment draws together research, business, industry and the community to develop regional solutions for a sustainable future," Professor Rodger said.

"Through initiatives like the Fourth Farrell Institute Forum, we aim to build University and community partnerships to meet the environmental challenges of the future.

"We also aim to advance the development and application of environmental knowledge and integrate cultural, social and economic values into environmental solutions."

Media are invited to attend the Fourth Farrell Institute Forum on Friday 18 May between 1.30pm and 4.30pm in CT202 at the Callaghan campus. Speakers include:

• Professor Chris Dickman, School of Biological Sciences at the University of Sydney, presentation Biodiversity conservation: why bother?
• Andrew McIntyre, Manager - Biodiversity Conservation Department, Department of Environment and Climate Change, presentation Threatened Species Recovery - where is it heading?
• Robert Humpries, General Manager - Ecotrades, presentation The NSW Biobanking and offset scheme - Can it achieve the promised conservation outcomes?

Media contact: Blythe Hamilton on 4921 6856.