April 8 - Binational Biodiversity and the Border

Two countries, one bioregion. The Nat’s research area includes southern California and the entire Baja California Peninsula. This region is special, but it’s threatened, and we are fortunate to work alongside scientists and conservationists who are passionate about preserving biodiversity on both sides of the border. In this panel, speakers will discuss trans-border contrasts and collaborations.

Dr. Daniel Thornton will address transboundary species and the need for international collaboration. He is an assistant professor at Washington State University. His research integrates field work, ecological theory, and spatial and statistical analyses to address questions around conservation planning and the impacts of climate and land use change on biodiversity.

Dr. Arturo Ramírez-Valdez will show how political borders impact our understanding of marine resources, affect management goals, and (in many cases) undermine conservation efforts. He earned his Ph.D. at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where he currently serves as a Staff Researcher working on questions related to marine conservation and resource management. He leads the Giant Sea Bass / Mero Gigante Project, a trans-disciplinary initiative designed to improve the management of this iconic fish species across the U.S.-Mexico border. Louise Misztal will discuss her work on cross-border conservation design and climate change adaptation planning. She is the conservation director at Sky Island Alliance, where she is committed to crafting creative solutions to pressing conservation issues and building collaboration among diverse partners. Dr. Lorena Villanueva-Almanza will share her research on transborder variation in Washingtonia palms. Passionate about plants and writing, she is the editor of Botany One, a weblog produced by The Annals of Botany Company. She works to protect ecosystems in the Baja California Peninsula and the U.S. and to make science accessible on both sides of the border.

Visit website to register: https://1830.blackbaudhosting.com/1830/Symposium