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2004 ANNUAL MEETING UPDATE

The 2004 annual meeting was held in New York City, the largest urban area in the eastern United States and an appropriate gathering place for international conservation biologists, government representatives, academics, and others interested in the effects of increasing urbanization on the future of conservation biology.

The meeting was hosted by the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC) at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, and enjoyed great support from the CERC consortium members: the American Museum of Natural History, New York Botanical Garden, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Wildlife Trust.

There was an overwhelming turnout of more than 1590 participants, including exhibitors, press, volunteers, and one-day registrants. At least 52 countries were represented, covering a broad range of biodiversity research on all inhabited continents. Conservation organizations and resource agencies also were well-represented, including The Nature Conservancy, Conservation International, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as many universities around the world.

The meeting was launched on 29 July with workshops, small meetings, and an opening reception. At final count, the meeting included 20 field trips, 23 symposia, 19 workshops and discussions, 392 contributed presentations, and 251 posters. Major themes emphasized during the scientific sessions included ecological and human health links, data on wildlife trade, science and policy, invasive species, water provision, and designing conservation networks and estates. Plenary speakers addressed environmental history (John McNeill), water conservation (Marisa Mazari and Brian Richter), and designing sustainable human presence on earth (William McDonough).

International Sections met to discuss goals and accomplishments, and more than 300 individuals attended the Members' Meeting on 1 August. The Awards Ceremony honored sixteen student finalists and this year's LaRoe and Distinguished Service awardees, Jerry Franklin, Gerardo Ceballos, the International Crane Foundation, A.J.T. Johnsingh, and Bittu Saghal. Approximately 400 students enjoyed a mixer with the Board of Governors. A topic area networking lunch and a new women in science networking breakfast also were successful. The closing dinner highlighted foods produced using wildlife-friendly practices in New York's Hudson Valley.

We were delighted to work with so many excellent SCB members, scientists, government authorities, and students from around the world in coordinating the 2004 meeting. It was a pleasure to host you and we look forward to Brasília next July.

Eva Fearn

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