On 5-9 September 2022 Phillip Island Nature Parks will host Island Arks Symposium VII - a well recognised event in Australia, New Zealand and other parts of the Pacific Ocean that brings together scientists, researchers, conservationists, environmentalists, and experts in their field. The theme of the event - Partnering for land, sea and coast - has been selected to recognise the significance of partnerships that effectively manage the natural and cultural values of islands, surrounding seas and coasts. The Penguin Foundation has worked closely over many years with keynote speaker, Jessica McKelson, who is the Conservation Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks. The Penguin Foundation provides funding to the conservation team, including the recent threatened species program for Phillip Island (Millowl). Thomas Nixon, Threatened Species Officer, will be presenting the success of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot program which has been supported by the Penguin Foundation over the past two years.

• The Symposium attracts people with diverse interests, including Traditional Owner groups, government environmental policy interests, academics, students, and community groups including volunteer groups with an interest in island conservation and management.
• This year’s Symposium covers a number of topical themes: Lord Howe Island conservation, pests and bio security, action planning for islands in Australia, indigenous places, marine and coastal threats, engaging island communities, seabirds, keeping the ark in the dark, and threatened species. In addition, there are two workshops: action planning for national island conservation and empowering island communities.
• First Nations people have always been central to the Symposium and we have been privileged to have many Australian Aboriginal, Pitcairner, New Zealand Maori, Fijians, and other Melanesia, Micronesian and Polynesian peoples share with us their unique viewpoints and aspirations for the sustainable use and development of their home islands.
• The Symposium has attracted some of the most respected conservation ecologists of our time, but also pioneers in sustainable tourism, cultural reinvigoration and socially progressive entrepreneurs.
• During the 2022 Symposium we will be privileged to once again hear from trailblazing island managers and restoration experts variously from French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia.
• Keynote speakers details can be found here.

To find out more about this event and to register go to: https://bit.ly/3vjErzR