International Symposium on Biodiversity to be Held at the National Institute of Biological Resources

The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) holds an international symposium in commemoration of the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity under the theme “Biological Diversity for Green Growth” on May 20.

NIBR has held international symposium three times in an attempt to create domestic and international cooperation network for preservation of biological diversity, management and use of biological resources.

Experts from home and abroad will be invited to the symposium and give a presentation on international efforts to preserve biodiversity and influence of biodiversity on climate change and biological industry.

At the first session, Minister of Environment Maanee Lee will deliver keynote speech on green growth and biodiversity. He will explain the concept and significance of green growth and the government’s efforts to preserve and use biodiversity.

At the second session, chief scientist of IUCN-The World Conservation Union Jeffrey A. McNeely will introduce the benefit from biodiversity to a human being and emphasize the international cooperation for preservation of biodiversity. Head of science and learning of IUCN Mainka Susan will mention the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as an example of international cooperation. Lawyer of Central International Law Firm Joo-young Yoo will give a presentation on the current status of "Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)" and each nation’s response to it.

At the third session, secretariat of convention on migratory species Aline Kuhl will introduce the influence of climate change on migratory species and international policies. Vice-president of Kunming Institute of Botany Liu Ji-Kai will explain the influence of biological resources on biological industry.

Chong-chun Kim, president of National Institute of Biological Resources said the symposium will be an opportunity to more deeply understand the significance and value of biodiversity and know about international trends on preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.