In a briefing to align with Half-Earth Day 2022, and the Half-Earth Project supported via legislation from Rep. Beyer, a series of discussions at the U.S. Capitol included wildlife corridors, the Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act (H.R. 2795), challenges facing biodiversity, finding solutions, and building partnerships. Featuring, Connor Vargo, Office of Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Levi Patterson, Legislative Assistant for Energy/Environment, Office of Senator Luján (D-NM), Dan Ashe, President & CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Carlton Ward Jr., Wildpath, Jodi Hilty, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Chad Wilsey, National Audubon Society, Dawn Wright, Esri, and many more distinguished guests.
Opening Remarks
Dan Ashe, President & CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (former Director, US Fish and Wildlife)
Solutions and Challenges
Overview from scientists and others to the challenges and opportunities to protect biodiversity, especially the role of wildlife corridors
- Walter Jetz, Scientific Chair, E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Half-Earth Project Map Lead – Session Facilitator
- Jodi Hilty, President & Chief Scientist, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
- Chad Wilsey, VP, Chief Scientist, Audubon
- Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist, Esri
Communities, Biodiversity, Opportunity
Including tribal, cultural heritage preservation and outdoors industry leaders speaking to relationships between their work and protecting wildlife corridors
- Leda Huta, Executive Director, Endangered Species Coalition – Session Facilitator
- Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation
- Alyssa Ravasio, CEO, HipCamp
- Carlton Ward Jr., Founder, Wildpath, National Geographic Explorer
Roundtable Discussion with Members of Congress About the Role of Federal Policy and the Opportunities to Protect Corridors and Half-Earth
- Susan Holmes, Federal Policy Director, Wildlands Network – Session Facilitator
- Connor Vargo, Office of Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)
- Levi Patterson, Office of Senator Luján (D-NM)
- Tom St. Hilaire, Senior Officer, Pew Charitable Trusts
- Carlton Ward Jr., Founder, Wildpath, National Geographic Explorer
- Jodi Hilty, President & Chief Scientist, Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
