Lecture: Operation Wallacea, citizen science in tropical ecosystems – an emerging conservation opportunity by Charlotte Palmer

TIME: Refreshments from 7pm, lecture from 7.30pm

VENUE: Salon 1, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Salon 1 is most easily accessed from the ballroom enterance. 

LECTURE TITLE: Operation Wallacea, citizen science in tropical ecosystems – an emerging conservation opportunity by Charlotte Palmer
 

LECTURE SUMMARY: Operation Wallacea (Opwall) is an NGO that has been bringing together scientists, students and local people together for the aim of conservation research over the last 20 years. Opwall now run conservation research projects in 15 different countries across the world, each of which is biologically important and under some sort of threat, from deforestation and hunting to mining and urbanisation. This lecture will focus on Opwall's longest running project on Buton Island, South East Sulawesi, Indonesia, where a recent funding application for $20 million has been submitted to protect this island and the unique flora and fauna found there. All of the data for this application was collected through 'citizen science', taking relatively unskilled high school and university students and teaching them to collect data on a large scale.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: I have always had a love for the outdoors and nature, and I began volunteering for conservation organisations from a young age. During my first year of university I volunteered for Rainforest Concern in Ecuador, and from then on decided upon a career in wildlife and habitat conservation. I first came across Opwall 10 years ago whilst studying for my BSc, and decided to join their expedition to Honduras to collect data for my undergraduate dissertation, and I have been part of the organisation ever since. After completing my MSc I joined Opwall as a full-time member of staff, working on our projects in Honduras, Indonesia, China and South Africa. My particular interest is working with our school groups to give them an insight into the world of conservation, and how all of us can be part of that. I am happy to say this summer was the first time we saw school students from the UAE join our expeditions, and I really look forward to working with more students from the UAE in the future. My next challenge is setting up Opwall's newest project in East Timor, a country with fascinating biodiversity, and where very little research has been completed.

N.B. Before the lecture there will be a 10 minute presentation about Ghaf trees from Nasrin Sakkir, a grade 9 student from Abu Dhabi Indian School.  She will describe the Ghaf tree’s general appearance, main habitats, importance in desert life, uses, planting methods, threats and conservation tips.