The Natural History Museum is pleased to announce an exciting new series of weekend presentations featuring some of the most renowned conservation scientists and explorers working today. Each will include a multimedia presentation and the opportunity for audience members to interact with our prominent speakers through a question and answer session.

November 11, 2007 – 2:00 pm - The Lost World
Bruce Beehler, Vice President, Melanesia Program, Conservation International’s

In Indonesia’s remote Papua province, the Foja Mountains made international headlines in 2005 when word spread that a team of scientists lead by CI’s Bruce Beehler had uncovered a treasure trove of new and “missing” species, among them the mysterious and legendary Berlepsch's Six-wired Bird of Paradise. A return trip to Foja’s pristine tropical forests uncovered even more species, including a rodent of unusual size. A segment about Dr. Beehler’s remarkable discoveries will air on CBS’ 60 Minutes in November.

Bio: http://web.conservation.org/xp/CIWEB/about/speakers/beehler.xml

December 9, 2007 – 2:00 pm - Pushed to the Edge: Species and Climate Change
Dr. Lee Hannah, Senior Fellow for Climate Change, Conservation International

The climate crisis has captured the public’s attention – we’re all worried about how it will affect our lives. And what about the lives of the diverse species we share our planet with? A recent study suggests that a rise of just 2 degrees in Earth’s temperature over the next 50 years could wipe out tens of thousands of plant and animal species around the planet, even in remote places far away from human activity. Hannah will discuss his research into the many ways that life on our planet could be thrown out of balance, and the strategies that conservationists are using to protect biodiversity.

January 13, 2007 – 2:00 pm - The Smaller Majority
Dr. Piotr Naskrecki, Director, Invertebrate Diversity Initiative, Conservation International

Over 90% of known animal species are smaller than your thumbnail. While most people remain unaware of the incredible diversity and importance of this “smaller majority”, Piotr Naskrecki has traveled to some of the most far-flung, remote corners of the world, studying and photographing the creatures that escape our attention. His passion for insects and other tiny animals is infectious – be prepared to have your perspective dramatically altered by this talk!

Bio: http://web.conservation.org/xp/CIWEB/about/speakers/naskrecki.xml

February 3, 2008 – 2:00 pm - Building a Common Agenda between Indigenous People and Conservation
Kristen Walker Painemilla, Vice President and Executive Director, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Initiative, Conservation International
Susan Stone, Senior Advisor, Indigenous and Traditional Peoples Initiative, Conservation International

The traditional lands of indigenous peoples harbor a wealth of unique and irreplaceable species. The worldwide trend of declining biodiversity has a devastating effect on the quality of life in these communities because indigenous peoples depend directly on healthy ecosystems for the collection of wild plants and animals for food, clothing, fuel, medicine, and shelter. Join us to learn how conservationists are working with indigenous communities. Kristen Walker Painemilla will speak to building a common agenda among Indigenous Peoples and conservation and Susan Stone will highlight CI’s work with the Wai-Wai community in Guyana.

March 9, 2008 – 2:00 pm - Ocean Exploration and Research in Marine Conservation
Roger McManus, Vice President for Marine Programs, Conservation International

Most of the Earth’s biosphere, the only place in the universe where life is known to occur, is comprised of the ocean ecosystems. The abundance and diversity of marine life is suffering from a mounting variety of human-caused threats, and new expeditions and research are contributing dramatically to marine conservation efforts worldwide. Mr. McManus has served in the Administrations of two U.S. Presidents and as the Ocean Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior, Bruce Babbitt. Mr. McManus is the President Emeritus of The Ocean Conservancy, and he is now the lead in all of the major marine programs for Conservation International.

April 13, 2008 – 2:00 pm - Head in the Sky, Feet in the Mud
Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier, President, Conservation International

When Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier isn’t scrambling across rough terrain to catch a glimpse of a rare species, he’s likely to be sitting with a head of state developing a strategy to protect critical ecosystems. A primatologist by training, he is the only active field biologist to lead a major international conservation organization. Dr. Mittermeier is an inspiration to everyone who cares about the future of our planet.

Bio: http://web.conservation.org/xp/CIWEB/about/speakers/mittermeier.xml

All presentations will begin promptly at 2:00 pm in the Jean Delacour Auditorium of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Admission is FREE for Members and visitors with paid admission. Seating may be limited. Please arrive early to secure your seat.