3rd February 2017

South Devon College recently hosted a symposium which was attended by approximately 100 people from around the region. The symposium explored global wildlife and habitat conservation; stressing the importance of environmental education in species protection and promotion. Contributions from Paignton Zoo and Devon Wildlife ensured that UK flora and fauna were considered too. The importance of embedding sustainability into school curricula and the value of community based conservation were also discussed.

The event achieved its goal of inspiring the next generation of environmentalists. One attendee FdSc Marine Science student Kate Walters said,  “It was amazing to attend a symposium surrounded by so many likeminded and enthusiastic individuals, all striving to conserve and preserve our natural world, which without, we as a species will destroy. The day was full of emotive and inspirational talks, each delivered by incredibly passionate and knowledgeable speakers. It provided a fantastic opportunity to make professional and educational connections.”

Event Organiser Stuart Collier said, “It was inspirational to see many likeminded people in attendance and it was humbling to share the stage with so many passionate speakers. The idea for the event came after a visit to Madagascar where we saw first-hand the threats facing biodiversity and the pressures affecting people of the island.”

Displays at the event offered some solutions to the challenges we face and included the use of technology to improve the sustainability of agriculture and alternative, more sustainable, methods of aquaculture. The Student Green Society would be keen to discuss with local businesses all things ‘sustainability’, if you can help or would like more information about the event please email [email protected]