Human-Ecological Resilience, Consilience, and Consciousness

Human well-being, in all it's many dimensions, and ecological integrity (health) intrinsically intertwine. This blog seeks to advocate for the preservation and enhancement of all life on Earth (Gaia). Life is precious and tenuous. We must cherish it in ourselves, in others, and in the natural world. Whatever happens to one; happens ultimately to all. "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." - Albert Einstein

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Living and Non-living Natural Science Collections: Irreplaceable International Resources - ESA/AIBS Letter

Joint Letter from the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Sept. 2010 --Natural science collections are essential infrastructure supporting the global research, development and educational enterprises. The collections gathered and held by many institutions over the past half millennium are fundamental reference points for measuring and monitoring human health, safety, and the state of our planet. Many living collections, for example at agricultural research and experiment stations, are essential to our collective efforts to develop, conserve and cultivate sustainable and nutritious food crops. Unfortunately, too many natural science collections around the world are in danger of being closed or losing the biological resources and data they contain – the knowledge that explains the history of life on earth and will help society advance into the future.