Pathways to Knowledge Lecture explores the economics of preserving biological diversity

Pathways to Knowledge Lecture explores the economics of preserving biological diversityMarch 03, 2009Judy Holmesjlholmes@syr.edu

The Spring 2009 Pathways to Knowledge Lecture Series for Undergraduate and Graduate Students continues Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. with “Can We Conserve Wildlife Without Impacting Human Livelihoods?” presented by Sumanta Bagchi, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biology in The College of Arts and Sciences. The lecture is free and open to all SU students and will be held in Stolkin Auditorium in the Physics Building.

Bagchi will discuss the tension between preserving the Earth’s biological diversity, species and ecosystems in the face of formidable threats from the growth of agriculture, industry and development. While the goals for meeting rising human demands and those of preserving natural habitats have traditionally been antagonistic, researchers have begun to discover ways in which marketable carbon-offsets can yield competitive revenue for conserving wildlife by curtailing alternative land-use practices. Bagchi will discuss her findings from field research conducted in the Central Asian highlands, which provide strong support for these emerging ideas.

The Pathways to Knowledge Lectures invite SU students to discover the possibilities of graduate school through presentations given by doctoral candidates. The series is coordinated by Marvin Druger, Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence and professor of biology and science education in The College of Arts and Sciences, and Derina Samuel, acting director for professional development programs in the Graduate School. The series is co-sponsored by the Department of Science Teachingin The College of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate School.

For further information about the events e-mail Druger at mdruger@syr.edu or Samuel at dssamuel@syr.edu.