Sustainable Conservation Conference 2019
This inspiring and forward-looking conservation conference was held in Titirangi, Auckland on April 6th and 7th. There were two days of quality presentations and informed discussions on the topics of environmental poisons, sustainable conservation and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment). The discussions focussed on how can we best support and encourage wildlife sanctuaries, trapping, hunting, bushcraft, fur-recovery, eco-tourism, social enterprises and education all built around respecting the environment. If our country is to shift from the heavy use of poisons in conservation we must have something to shift to.
Keynote speakers included
Professor Ian Shaw University of Canterbury, spoke authoritatively on the toxicology of glyphosate, 1080 and Brodifacoum. Ian shared his research into the ability of glyphosate to mimic hormones and block the receptors in animals and humans.
Professor Wayne Linklater Associate Professor in Conservation Science, Victoria University and visiting Scholar at the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at the University of California, spoke about the culture of conservation in NZ and why “Predator-FreeNZ 2050” is a flawed concept and the need to respect different conservation values.
Hana Blackmore from Pesticide Action Network NZ, spoke about the campaign to stop glyphosate on Auckland streets.
Kathy White Researcher and Waitako Regional Councillor, speaking about the unintended consequences of aerial 1080 on water, wildlife and us.
Brad Flutey from Northland, presented a visionary model of Ecological Sustainable Conservation.
Nyree Porter Manuel from Nga Kaitiaki o Whangaroa who described the Whangaroa Forest Health Plan.
Steve Boot from “ Basically Bush Possum Fur Recovery.”
Asha Andersen of Flora and Fauna Aotearoa Trust who together with a great team, organised the conference, which was attended by about 100 people from all over New Zealand.
From Stephanie McKee, COBY, Coromandel Our Backyard. www.coby.nz
To view more videos of some of the keynote speakers go to our YouTube page.