A scientific conference of the world's leading conservationists will meet in St. Louis on October 5 and 6, 2009, to give an unprecedented view of the world's resources, it was announced today by the Saint Louis Zoo.
The all-star line-up of conservationists will join some 200 directors of zoos and aquariums around the world as they meet for the 64th annual conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in St. Louis.
Keynote speaker Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, will open the conference speaking on "Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity from Z to A: Zoos & Aquariums & the Convention on Biological Diversity for 2010 & Beyond."
Other keynote speakers include:
* Jane Smart, head of IUCN's Species Programme
* Simon Stuart, chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
* Russ Mittermeier, president, Conservation International
* Katie Frohardt, executive director, Flora & Fauna International
* Jane Madgwick, CEO, Wetlands International
* Rick West, vice president, International Council of Museums.
The two-day agenda represents 35 speakers, including:
* George Archibald, International Crane Foundation
* John Newby, executive director, Sahara Conservation Fund
* Robert Cook, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo
* Paul Boyle, AZA vice president for conservation and founder of The Ocean Project
* Eric Miller, senior vice president of Saint Louis Zoo and director of the Zoo's WildCare Institute
Topics over this two-day period will cover a wide range of issues, from global challenges to raising public awareness, to conservation initiatives and population management.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums is comprised of about 300 members in Europe, Africa, the Near East, Asia, Oceana, North American, Central and South America. Together they reach more than 600,000,000 visitors annually.
WAZA is committed to global conservation through member research, achievable strategies, and the support of education and direct action campaigns.
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