Society for Conservation Biology
The Society for Conservation Biology is hosting the 25th International Congress for Conservation Biology in Auckland, New Zealand, on 5 - 9 December, 2011. The event will bring together conservationist scientists and practitioners from diverse disciplines for discussion, innovation and development of science-based products that inform policy change and implementation.

The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the science and practice of conserving the earth's biological diversity. The Society's membership is a global community of more than 10,000 members from over 140 countries, including resource managers, educators, government, private consultants and students. The Society provides many benefits to its community including global and regional conferences, free online access to publications for members in developing countries, and a very popular online job board. SCB also administers the prestigious David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship Program, sponsored by the Cedar Tree Foundation.

University of Canterbury
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Whare Wananga o Waitaha
The host institution will be the School of Biological Sciences in the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. The University was founded in 1873 and is the second oldest University in the country with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. The School of Biological Sciences is one of the largest departments on campus with over 90 staff, and with research programmes spanning all scales of biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems. We are particularly strong in field biology and conservation with 4 different field stations across the South Island supporting our researchers and students. Both the School of Biological Sciences and the University strongly support the hosting of the 2011 meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology in our city.

Kia Ora the Kakapo
Kia Ora is the official mascot of the 2011 ICCB. Kia travels the world as an ambassador for SCB and the thousands of members whose mission is to advance the science and practice of conserving the Earth's biological diversity. Originally from a beautiful island off the coast of New Zealand, Kia Ora made her debut at the 2010 ICCB, where she toasted the meeting's success with her friends in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, especially Ed Monton, the caribou, and promised warm hospitality and an exciting scientific program at next year's meeting in her hometown.

Kia Ora, one of only 122 kakapos remaining in the wild, is visiting members and learning and teaching about diverse conservation efforts in our global society! Where will Kia turn up next?