The Future of Forestry and Forest Science Conference
Thursday 30th September - Saturday 2nd October
|
|
The University of Melbourne’s School of Land and Environment and Department of Forest and Ecosystem Science is celebrating 100 years of Forestry education. The Future of Forestry and Forest Science Conference offered past and present students, scientists, researchers, forestry and environmental professionals, and government policy makers an open forum to reflect on the development of forest science and forestry education over the past century and consider the future of forest science in order to meet the needs of future generations.
The organising committee created a varied program that offered delegates engaging presentations from speakers coming from a number of specialties to address the following themes:
- Science and education needs for forest biodiversity conservation
- Meeting the science and education needs of forest-based industries
- Forests, climate science, and the global carbon cycle
- Social and community perspectives on forest management
- Future of forest fire science and management
- Forest restoration and multi-functional landscapes
Guest Speaker - Tim Flannery
“Man-on-a-mission” Tim Flannery presented a powerful exploration of the connection between climate change, global warming, and human activity in relation to forest science and forestry industry.
Tim explained his views on Forest Management with an emphasis on how continued forestry education and science are imperative to support sustainable forest management in a changing climate. Tim also spelt out why he believes human activity is drastically altering the earth’s climate, offering ideas on how each person can take steps to reverse the damage they have done to our environment, personally, professionally and politically.
2010 marks the Centenary of professional forestry education in Australia. 100
years have passed since the establishment of the Victorian School of Forestry
at Creswick soon followed by the establishment of a post-graduate forestry program at the University of Adelaide which later transferred to the Australian Forestry School in Canberra.
Forest science and forestry education in Australia has undergone considerable
change during the past century and yet, the many and very different
challenges facing forest science and management over the next 100 years
secure a place for forestry at the forefront of public attention and societal
relevance. It therefore seems timely to reflect on the rich history and to
discuss future prospects for forest science and education to meet the growing
needs of future generations in a rapidly changing world.
The organisers of this conference brought together some of Australia’s
leading forest scientists, thinkers and forest industry and community leaders
to present views on the future prospects for forest science and professional
forest education in the 21st Century. The aim is to set the platform for
development of forest education and science to meet the future needs of
Australian society. We welcome the involvement of all those with an interest in
the future of forest management in a rapidly changing world.
Organising Committee
| Prof Rodney Keenan (Chair) | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| Sharnie Bilston | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| A/Prof Stefan Arndt | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| A/Prof Gerd Bossinger | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| Fiona Hamilton | Department of Sustainability and Environment |
| Prof Nigel Stork | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| Jeff Topp | Melbourne School of Land and Environment, UoM |
| David Williams | Hancock Victorian Plantations Limited |