Popular science forum Cafe Scientifique will kick off for 2011 next week, providing an opportunity for local people to discuss with experts, the management of our precious coastline.
Three experts will each talk on the topic of “Coastal culture: How we relate to coastal areas and their management”. The University of Waikato-run event will be held from 7.30pm on Tuesday February 22 at Café Français, 711 Victoria Street, Hamilton.
The topic is in line with Seaweek 2011, an annual community event run by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education, which highlights the importance of educating the community about the protection of our coastlines.
Professor Chris Battershill, from the University of Waikato will address the topic “Reef to Royalty: Why discovery of new drugs and other chemicals from the sea is dependent on conservation of biodiversity in its natural context”. Prof Battershill recently joined the University as the Chair in Coastal Science.
Graeme Silver, from Environment Waikato will discuss “Development of Aquaculture in our coastal region: Who is driving it?”.
Fred Lichtwark, Whaingaroa Harbour Care will talk about “How local communities can have a say about their coastal areas.” Lichtwark has for several years spearheaded a community group, Whaingaroa Harbour Care, which is dedicated to improving the environmental quality of Whaingaroa/Raglan Harbour.
Café Scientifique is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology. Meetings are held in both Hamilton and Tauranga and always take place outside of a traditional academic context.
Visit www.sci.waikato.ac.nz/cafescientifique for future Café Scientifique dates.