Research Cluster for Natural Resources Law

What is the Future of Public Conservation Lands and Waters?

With one-third of Aotearoa New Zealand in public conservation, what visions and challenges exist for its future development and management?

On Friday 10th July, the University of Otago Research Cluster for Natural Resources Law tackled these issues head-on at a significant symposium entitled The Future of Public Conservation Lands and Waters.

The symposium was led by some of the University’s leading researchers from the Divisions of Humanities, Commerce and Science. Hon Tim Groser, Minister of Conservation, and Alistair Morrison, Director-General of the Department of Conservation, were the special guests of honour and presented opening and closing keynote addresses.

Research cluster co-ordinator and senior law lecturer Jacinta Ruru commented that it “provided a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the future management of the public conservation lands and waters to come together and hear the latest research that is being done at Otago.”

Talks ranged from considering how safe havens for Hector’s dolphins can be created to thinking about how we can become native to this place.  Biodiversity, climate change, tourism and Maori ownership claims were explored. “It was a lively and provocative morning,” she said.

The Research Cluster is working towards making publicly available a video recording of the proceedings.  Information will be posted here once this is available to view.

What: The Future of Public Conservation Lands and Waters? Open symposium
When:  Friday 10th July 2009: 8.30am-1.30pm
Where: Hutton Theatre, Otago Museum

Speakers' programme: PDF - Word -

Contact details for media:

Jacinta Ruru,
Senior Law Lecturer,
University of Otago
Tel 03 479 8833
Email jacinta.ruru@otago.ac.nz

http://www.otago.ac.nz/humanities/research/clusters/naturalresources/index.html