For Immediate Release: October 24, 2017
Contacts:
Susan Holmes, Wildlands Network: susan@wildlandsnetwork.org, 202-329-1553
Paula Ehrlich, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation: pehrlich@eowilsonfoundation.org, (215) 847-0920
Derek Goldman, dgoldman@endangered.org, (406) 721-3218
Fritschner, Aaron, Aaron.Fritschner@mail.house.gov, (202) 225-4376
Jennifer Talhelm, news@tomudall.senate.gov, (202) 228-6870
In Recognition of Half-Earth Day, Groups Host Conversation with E.O. Wilson and Members of Congress to Save America’s Biodiversity and Protect Wildlife Corridors
Washington, DC – In recognition of the planet’s first Half-Earth Day, join Wildlands Network and partners for “Wildlife Corridors and Saving America’s Biodiversity with E.O. Wilson” on Tuesday, October 24 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Capitol Building Visitors Center Congressional Auditorium and Atrium.
World-renowned Harvard biologist Dr. E.O. Wilson will be joined by several conservation leaders and members of Congress, including Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) for a solutions-oriented conversation about wildlife corridors and other policies that can protect America’s wild creatures and places for generations to come.
“To preserve our wild heritage, we need to connect key habitat across the American landscape,” said Greg Costello, Wildlands Network Executive Director. “From the grizzly to the monarch butterfly, wildlife corridors allow us to steward some of our most treasured species. We’re excited to have the opportunity to discuss this critical topic with Dr. E.O. Wilson, Congressman Beyer and Senator Udall who are such great champions of protecting our natural heritage.”
Recent studies show we are losing our native species at an alarming rate: currently one in five U.S. species are threatened with extinction. However, strategies—like protecting wildlife corridors—exist to protect our America’s wildlife.
Renowned biologist E.O. Wilson recently authored the book Half-Earth-Our Planet’s Fight for Life in which he laid out a vision to save biodiversity. Today, Dr. Wilson stated, “on this auspicious inaugural Half-Earth Day, a key issue addressed is the role of wildlife corridors, which would enlarge the nations protected areas and help achieve the goal of Half-Earth. Corridors would protect large swaths of America’s wildlife and other fauna and flora, especially in this critical time of climate change and shifting locations of the original environments in which a large part of biodiversity has existed.”
“Our planet’s wildlife is facing ever-increasing threats — from climate change to habitat destruction — and we must take action at every level, from the U.S. Congress to the grass roots,” said Senator Udall, D-N.M. “E.O. Wilson has dedicated his life to understanding the importance of species diversity, and eloquently sharing his studies and enthusiasm with a broad audience. His voice is essential, and I’m honored to join him for this Half-Earth Day conversation to raise awareness about the need to protect habitat and rally Americans to action.”
Rep. Beyer, concerned with the critical need to slow the rising species extinction rate, understands the imperative of implementing wildlife corridors and other strategies to protect America’s biodiversity.
“I introduced the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act in 2016 to help protect the nearly one in five animal and plant species in the U.S. at risk of extinction,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Much of the danger to our most endangered species comes from habitat loss, and scientists like Dr. E.O. Wilson have told us that connecting habitats to ensure safe travel between them is key to the genetic strength of threatened populations, and to biodiversity as a whole.”
From monarchs to mule deer, from Florida panther to pronghorn, wildlife corridors and other policies can safeguard these species from the threats of climate change and habitat loss, increasing wildlife movement between habitat areas by approximately 50 percent compared to areas not connected by corridors.
“There is no doubt that protecting wildlife corridors is one of the most important proactive steps that we have to safeguard our country’s wildlife and majestic public lands,” stated Robert Stanton, former Director of the National Park Service (NPS) and Endangered Species Coalition board member. “We are thrilled to help bring exciting ideas about saving biodiversity to Washington, D.C.”
Presentations and discussions will follow Dr. Wilson’s conversation with members of Congress. Presenters include Dr. Bruce Stein of National Wildlife Federation; Dr. Stuart L. Pimm of the Nicholas School at Duke University; Dr. Healy Hamilton of NatureServe; Dr. Jon Beckmann of Wildlife Conservation Society; Dr. Gary Tabor of Center for Large Landscape Conservation; and Dr. Ron Sutherland of Wildlands Network.
The event will wrap with a cupcake reception and an opportunity to meet E.O. Wilson, members of Congress, presenters, and other attendees.
E.O. Wilson and other speakers will be available for photos. This event is free and open to the public. RSVPs appreciated but not required. Please RSVP to info@wildlandsnetwork.org.
The event will be livestreamed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q7nOx7fwrw
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/120118835347840/
