Capacity-Building for SCB Chapters, Part II: Empowering Environmental Problem-solving
Session Organizer: Fiona Nagle

Description: As stewards of the world's ecosystems, conservation biologists are continually challenged by environmental problems that require social and biological solutions.  Further, these solutions often need to be driven by collaboration, informed public policy, and networks of conservation scientists, practitioners, and supporters.  SCB, through its Local Chapters, serves an important role in bolstering these activities and solutions.  SCB Chapters bring together local conservation scientists, professionals, academics, students, and the broader public.  They are active worldwide and range from small clubs based at universities to larger groups serving entire regions to units encompassing one or more countries.  Through the Chapters, conservationists provide SCB's grassroots contribution to building and integrating local communities as well as providing hands-on conservation education and stewardship.   Some of their activities include hosting regional meetings, undertaking public policy advocacy, educating children and the public, and restoring nearby ecosystems.  The continued growth and empowerment of these groups is therefore an important part of furthering environmental problem-solving that addresses both ecological and social concerns.