Frontiers Forum Deep Dive series

Conservation Imperatives: securing the last unprotected terrestrial sites

14 November 2024 | 16:00-17:30 CET

Explore next steps in the habitat conservation of rare and threatened species as part of a larger global biodiversity strategy to counteract the ongoing sixth mass extinction driven by human activities.  

Speakers

  • Eric Dinerstein

    Dr Eric Dinerstein

    RESOLVE, USA

  • Neil Aldrin Mallari

    Dr Neil Aldrin Mallari

    Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc, Philippines

  • Andy Lee

    Andy Lee

    RESOLVE, USA

  • Stephen Woodley

    Dr Stephen Woodley

    International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Canada

Preventing the sixth mass extinction of life on Earth

This complementary, interactive event builds on a Frontiers in Science lead article that maps priority sites for rare species at imminent risk of extinction and outlines strategic actions for their urgent protection.  

The article authors and other experts will discuss the next steps in protecting habitats for rare and threatened species, as part of a larger global strategy to protect 30% of the world's surface by 2030.

You’ll have the chance to pose questions to the speakers.  

Agenda

Introduction & setting the scene

Conservation Imperatives

Charting a path forward | Panel discussion and Q&A

Speaker and contributor bios

  • Eric Dinerstein

    Director - Biodiversity and Wildlife Solutions
    RESOLVE, USA

    Dr Eric Dinerstein is an internationally recognized leader in global conservation, known for pioneering projects to protect endangered species like the greater one-horned rhinoceros and Asiatic elephant, as well as habitats worldwide. He spent 25 years as the Chief Scientist at the World Wildlife Fund, where he significantly influenced conservation policies and plans for the world’s most iconic places including the Galapagos Islands, the Himalayas, and the panda mountains of China. He has collaborated with leading organizations to develop innovative technologies for wildlife monitoring. His work includes co-developing the SMART ranger patrol system and advocating for large-scale wildlife corridors. Eric continues to contribute extensively to scientific research and policy development within conservation. 

  • Andy Lee

    Program Coordinator and Research Scientist for Biodiversity
    RESOLVE, USA

    Andy Lee is a driving force in conservation technology on a mission to address the most pressing threats to wildlife through the creative application of science, technology, and collaboration. He spearheaded initiatives to enhance environmental sustainability and monitor ecosystems. His current research centers on global biodiversity conservation, including the Global Safety Net and Conservation Imperatives while facilitating grant-making to expand protection into endangered habitats.  

    Andy played a key role in developing systems like TrailGuard projects, and delivering the AI-enabled camera-alert system, which aims to protect endangered wildlife and promote human-wildlife coexistence.

  • Stephen Woodley

    Vice Chair for Science and Biodiversity, World Commission on Protected Areas, IUCN, Canada

    Dr Stephen Woodley is a leading field ecologist with several decades of experience within biodiversity conservation. His extensive experience spans consultancy, field research, and academic work. He leads efforts to understand the role protected areas can have as solutions to the current global conservation challenges.

    Previously as the first Chief Scientist for Parks Canada, Stephen worked on a number of issues related to protected areas, including ecological monitoring, species at risk, wildlife disease, ecological restoration and science policy. His contributions to the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas have significantly influenced the integration of science into global conservation policies and practices.

  • Neil Aldrin Mallari 

    President - Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc, Philippines

    Dr Neil Aldrin Mallari is a renowned ecologist and biodiversity conservation specialist with over 30 years of experience in wildlife conservation and habitat restoration. As the founder, President, and Chief Scientist of the Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc. (CCIPH), he has been instrumental in shaping the conservation agenda of the Philippines. Neil has authored seminal publications on threatened birds and key conservation sites in the Philippines.

    His innovative approaches, including the development of the LAWIN system for biodiversity monitoring, have significantly improved conservation efforts in the country. A system change leader, Dr. Mallari has influenced important conservation policies and founded several organizations dedicated to biodiversity protection.