With so many developments and updates in the realm of climate science and conservation, how can one organization keep up? The PICCC employs several strategies, but one important strategy is to attend conferences, workshops, and other large meetings to get to know new faces, reunite with old colleagues, and learn about advancements in climate change research.
To accomplish all of the above, members of the Pacific Islands Climate Change Cooperative headed over to the University of Hawai`i, Hilo in order to attend the 23rd Annual Hawai`i Conservation Conference. The PICCC was represented at the Conference by Science Coordinator Jeff Burgett, Research Ecologist Lucas Fortini, Data and GIS Manager Patrick Grady, and Communications Manager Whitney Peterson.
During the three-day conference, Lucas and Jeff delivered presentations on the state of climate change science and research. Lucas gave an update regarding the Bird Vulnerability Assessment work he has completed, while Jeff delivered a presentation about the key elements of climate change monitoring in Hawaiʿi and the path forward to create a successful monitoring network. Patrick participated in a panel about data tools and use in conservation planning in the Hawaiian islands.
The second day of the Conference provided a great opportunity for outreach. The PICCC exhibit, staffed by Whitney and Patrick, invited interested Conference attendees to use and discover the PICCC’s Conservation Planning Atlas (CPA), a data-discovery and collaboration tool. Attendees were introduced to the usefulness of the CPA, and the exhibit allowed members of the PICCC to better learn about attendees’ overall data experience and priorities.
The HCC puts a cap on a busy conference- and workshop-filled summer for the members of the PICCC. By attending conferences, workshops, and other in-person opportunities, the PICCC team members are able to meet, establish and maintain relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders, decision-makers, and potential new partners!
For more information about the Conservation Planning Atlas, click on this link: http://piccc.databasin.org/
For more information about upcoming climate change-related events, look at the PICCC’s What’s Happening page: http://piccc.net/whats-happening