Marine scientist Austin Bowden-Kerby, one of the leading experts on the conservation of coral reefs in the Caribbean and Pacific, will be speaking this evening at the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (Funglode) auditorium on ?Coral Reef Ecosystems and their Environmental Importance.?
Bowden-Kerby heads the Coral Gardens Initiative of Counterpart International Foundation, which promotes a high level of community participation in the management of natural resources. Developed over many years of research, his method to save endangered reefs calls for carefully managing human impact, with a special emphasis on working closely with the local people who know the reef best – and who still depend on it for their livelihood.
During the conference he will focus on the scientific base for the coral reef conservation and success stories on rehabilitating coral systems and their social and economic effects on the local population.
Lelei Lelaulu, president of the Counterpart International Foundation, with almost 40 years implementing programs that promote sustainable development in over 50 countries, will also participate in the panel on coral reefs.
Admission is free to the 7 pm event. Funglode is located at Capitan Eugenio de Marchena Street, between Alma Mater and Maximo Gomez.