Value of Biodiversity

A four-part virtual symposium series to expand networks and inspire creative strategies to promote biodiversity in urban, agricultural and natural areas, to improve human and ecological health and well-being. Melissa Kreye, Social and economic values associated with private forests, wildlife and water resources Derrick Taff, Value of protected areas and biodiversity for outdoor tourism and human well-being Lilly Zeitler and Bronwen Powell, Increasing diversity in agricultural landscapes with indigenous trees and wild foods for improved diet quality and climate resilience Purpose and Goals A global movement has emerged to mobilize governments, civil society, businesses and all people to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals within the next 10 years. Among the key goals are the need to ensure biodiversity and a healthy bioeconomy. Biodiversity is critical for healthy ecosystems, producing plentiful nutritious food, and human well-being. Supporting and expanding biodiversity requires creative and cross-disciplinary approaches that bring together scientists and stakeholders. Penn State is a world leader in the study and management of biodiversity across agricultural, natural and urban landscapes. This symposium will foster synergies across the expertise and perspectives of multiple Penn State colleges, institutes, and centers as well as partner institutions.