Highland land use conference hears of biodiversity crisis challenge
Effective management of land to protect biodiversity is “arguably one of the most important challenges we face”, those attending a three-day conference in the Highlands have been told.
More than 80 students, staff and industry professionals from Scotland, Europe and North America joined together for the UHI Integrated Land Use Conference in and around Carrbridge.
Organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in collaboration with industry partners, it provided a platform for students, researchers and land managers to explore this year’s theme – the role of land management in tackling the biodiversity crisis.
The annual event brings together land use students from across the UHI partnership to collaborate and learn from each other. It also gives an opportunity for students to engage with industry professionals, discover volunteering and explore potential career paths.
Those attending ranged from National 5 students to PhD candidates, representing a variety of land-based disciplines, including geography, forestry, wildlife and conservation management, gamekeeping, sustainable development and environmental science.
There was a mix of field sessions, expert talks and open discussions.
Joe Easter, a BA (Hons) Environmental Science student at UHI Inverness, said: “This was my second Integrated Land Use Conference and I’ve come away with lots of food for thought both times.
“It’s great to hear people speaking passionately about fields I know little about, and to get a sense of what jobs are out there that I might not have otherwise considered.”
Dr Su Bryan, dean of the Faculty of Science, Health and the Environment at UHI, said: “Effectively managing our land to protect biodiversity is arguably one of the most important challenges we face today. It plays a crucial role in our response to climate change and biodiversity loss.
“At UHI we are proud to educate many of Scotland’s future land managers, and we recognise the importance of collaborating with others from different backgrounds and with different priorities.
“Since 2012 we have organised this annual Integrated Land Use Conference in partnership with others – providing students with the opportunity to learn from one another, and crucially, to work together. We are grateful to all the partners who have offered funding and support for this important event.”
