We would like to invite you for an online panel discussion on Understanding Invasive Alien Species – Troublesome Guests? Or Misunderstood Members of Ecosystems.
This is the first in a series of three discussions aimed at understanding the complexities and practicalities of species invasion.
Since you’re a member, an invite will be shared with you shortly. We hope to see you there. Also, please share this with those who might find this interesting. They can register here.
Date: 29-05-24
Time: 1 PM to 3 PM
Venue: Zoom Meeting
About the discussion:
What are invasive species? Why do some species become invasive in the context of changing bioclimatic conditions? What is the appropriate scale of space-time for defining invasion? Does our language around invasion need reconsideration?
Importantly, what role do invasives play in restoration? Can they be beneficial under certain circumstances? How do we best deal with species invasion in a given ecosystem?
Join us on a panel discussion on understanding invasive alien species. The panel will comprise ecologists, scientists, social scientists, restoration practitioners and representatives of local communities, and we’ll attempt to synthesize their diverse viewpoints into a common narrative as we
ponder these questions.
This is the first in a series of 3 discussions aimed at understanding the complexities and practicalities of species invasion.
About the Panel:
Suprabha Seshan is a rainforest conservationist and heads the Gurukula Botanical Sanctuary, a collectively owned private reserve devoted to plant conservation, habitat restoration, nature education & ecological advocacy. She explores how decisions arise out of social, ecological and political frameworks and out of the particular values of individuals and groups, with enormous consequences for the land.
Dr. Geetha Ramaswami is an ecologist, nature educator and scientist who currently works on understanding the impacts of the invasive plant Lantana Camara on native plant-disperser interactions. She is also a program manager at Seasonwatch. Her PhD and post doctoral research also focused on Lantana camara.
Dr Rohan Shetti is an associate professor and a postdoctoral research scientist at the University of Usti nad Labem, Czech Republic. He is also the cofounder of The Green Concept, a firm that works in applied ecology, carbon assessments and ecosystem restoration.
Megha Ojha is a PhD Student at the Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune. She has been working in the field of invasion biology since 2017, and is interested in invasive plant impact assessment and researching traits associated with invasion.