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UNMC Environmental Seminar Series
The UNMC School of Geography is pleased to host a series of lectures on topical environmental issues through which we hope to raise public awareness and interest. The programme is aimed at the general public and assumes no expert or prior knowledge. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.Please
RSVP to Carol.DCruz@nottingham.edu.my and/or Lawal.Billa@nottingham.edu.my
Friday 30th May 2014; Time: 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Venue: KLTC-Chulan Tower (Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre)
Abstract
The concept of a natural ecosystem is fast disappearing as humans modify habitats at an ever-accelerating rate, meaning much of the world’s biodiversity must now persist in human-modified landscapes. The situation is particularly acute in SE Asia, where large areas of natural forests have, over recent decades, been replaced by oil palm plantations. The SAFE (Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems) Project - which is part of the Royal Society's SE Asia Rainforest Research Programme (SEARRP) - is conducting one of the world’s largest ecological experiments to understand the myriad ways in which logging, deforestation and forest fragmentation modify the functioning of tropical rainforest, impair their ability to deliver ecosystem services that people care about, and reduce their capacity to support the diversity of life. The SAFE Project aims to understand how the impacts of forest modification ramify through the web of life
About Dr. Glen Reynolds
Dr Glen Reynolds is the director of Royal Society SEARRP (South East Asia Rainforest Research Programme) at Danum Valley Field Centre, Sabah. He together with colleagues have raised in excess of ￡7 million in grant and sponsorship income to support SEARRP’s 4 main long term strategic research aims and projects, 1) the Sabah Biodiversity Experiment, 2) a permanent 50 hectare primary forest research plot, 3) the SAFE Project and 4) the SEnSOR Programme. These projects allow SEARRP scientists to address key issues facing tropical forests and the sustainable use of biodiversity and landscapes.
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