ETH Global Lecture Series: The Science We Need For The Ocean We Want
17 June 2021 - Online Event - On the occasion of World Oceans Day on 8 June join us for an inspiring conversation led by Chris Luebkeman featuring renowned oceanographer Enric Sala and ETH Zurich's Loïc Pellissier.
Free public online event
Moderated by Chris Luebkeman, ETH Zurich
Thursday, 17 June 2021
16.00 - 17.00 Zurich (CEST)
The marine realm is the largest component of the Earth’s system that stabilizes climate and support life on Earth and human well-being. Over the last 10 years, the extent of marine protected areas has significantly increased and a growing number of very large marine protected areas have been designated. Protected and conserved areas increasingly cover areas of importance for biodiversity. Mapping patterns of biodiversity is vital for helping us paint a picture of the health of our oceans. In this context, good data is critical. At the moment, there is a gap data scientists are trying to fill in order to model systems in a dynamic way and be able to analyse how they change over time.
Equally crucial is the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). A recent study found that more protection helps in terms of global food security and climate change. As 8 June 2021 marks Ocean Day with the theme Life and Livelihoods, it seems appropriate to make the case for monitoring and safeguarding ocean biodiversity.
But what exactly are the benefits of increasing MPAs? Why does protecting the ocean benefit everyone, not just coastal regions? How do you monitor restoration, and why are indicators important?
external pageDr. Enric Sala is a former university professor who saw himself writing the obituary of ocean life, and quit academia to become a full-time conservationist as a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. He founded and leads Pristine Seas, a project that combines exploration, research, and media to inspire country leaders to protect the last wild places in the ocean.
To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 23 of the largest marine reserves on the planet, covering an area of 6.5 million square km. 2008 World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader, 2013 Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, 2013 Environmental Media Association Hero Award, 2016 Russian Geographical Society Award, and 2018 Heinz Award in Public Policy. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Also visit: external pagepristineseas.org
Publication: external pageThe Nature of Nature
Loïc Pellissier has been Assistant Professor (with Tenure Track) of Landscape Ecology at the Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems at ETH Zurich and at WSL since July 2015. Loïc Pellissier studied at the University of Lausanne and completed his PhD in 2012. He then led a postdoctoral research project at the Arctic Research Center (Roskilde), which is affiliated to Aarhus University in Denmark. From 2013 to 2015 he was research group leader at the University of Fribourg.
Loïc’s research is focused on understanding and modelling past and future landscape dynamic and its link to biodiversity. His research provides fundamental knowledge in ecology and evolution of landscape biodiversity patterns and uses this knowledge to improve sustainable management of natural resources.