The final session took a hard look at issues affecting freshwater, current approaches to conservation in the face of growing threats to biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems around the world. The panelists took on the difficult issue of how to foster the sustainable livelihood of impoverished rainforest inhabitants while also conserving their fragile and endangered environments. In addition, the panel addressed the impact of population growth and increasing global consumption. Finally, the focus shifted to the responsibility of the United States in leading the world toward lasting beneficial changes.

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The Speakers

Stuart L. Pimm

Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology, Duke University

Since his initial observations of species extinction in the 1970s, Dr. Pimm, a conservation biologist, has become an expert in biodiversity and extinction, authoring more than 150 articles on the subject. Pimm’s current work focuses on why species become extinct, what can be done to prevent extinction and global patterns of habitat loss and extinction. His 2001 book The World According to Pimm, depicts global conservation hotspots.

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Richard E. Sparks

Director of Research, National Great Rivers Research and Education Center

Dr. Richard “Rip” Sparks directed the Illinois Natural History Survey’s Large River Research Program on the Upper Mississippi River for 26 years, and currently serves as the Director of Research for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Through his work, he conducts research on topics such as restoration alternatives for large floodplain rivers. He also serves on The Nature Conservancy’s Science Advisory Committee and several committees for the U.S. National Research Council on American Rivers.

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M. Sanjayan, Ph.D.

Lead Scientist, The Nature Conservancy

Based in Montana, Sanjayan plays many roles as Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy, from donor outreach to ensuring the organization manages through emerging conservation trends identified by the global scientific and conservation communities. Sanjayan’s work focuses on the intersection of conservation and humanitarianism, as he tries to interpret the complex relationship between conservation and alleviating poverty.

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