Ian Sauer	President, Tamar NRM
Prof. Ted Lefroy	Director, University of Tasmania Centre for Environment
Kay Bailey	Executive Officer, Tamar NRM
Dr Greg Unwin	School of Geography and Environmental Studies, UTAS
Christopher Strong	Conference Convenor

Consultative arrangements have developed with senior staff of Land and Water Australia and organisations working with it in relevant programmes, NRM North – especially in relation to The Public Forum – and the Australian Maritime College/National Centre for Marine and Coastal Conservation.

The conference, through approximately 50 selected case studies – examples of innovation and good practice – will focus on how healthy biodiversity can be the consequence of productive practice, and the outcome of sensitive NRM initiatives and strategies.

Case studies offered have been scrutinised and selections made by a Review Panel, which included Professor Tony Norton. The panel has ensured originality of work undertaken, the balance between valid science and practitioner experience, and relevance to the conference theme and expected outcomes.

Case study topics are wide ranging and absorbing in the variety and value of the work they reveal.

Seahorse aquaculture, catchment management, harvesting kangaroos, environmental flow regimes for estuarine health and production, the Razor Clam in Kuching Bay (Sarawak), forestry prescription for individual species (Great Velvet Worms), profitably integrating high level biodiversity goals in contemporary farming, multi-purpose tree growing, the Areca nut palm and bird conservation (SE Asia), managing the Western Rock Lobster fishery, pest control and water system management, regenerative agriculture, irrigation and biodiversity, are but a few of the projects covered –

all linked to the promotion of biodiversity and production benefits.

A list of case studies will be on the website in April.

We look forward to sharing the experiences of practitioners and researchers revealed in the case studies and also considering the “bigger picture” matters raised by our “keynote” speakers.

Special opportunities will be provided to ensure that delegates can “Meet the speakers” for discussion. Delegates will be free to attend presentations in any of the three strands of agriculture, fisheries and forestry. Our facilitator will ensure that delegates are engaged and able to contribute and share their experience, knowledge, wisdom and enthusiasm. There will be opportunity for delegates to display poster presentations.

Thus the conference will address issues of sustainability important to the practitioners and citizens of today as well as vital to future occupants of our planet.