Abstract: There is no false modesty in the title of this seminar. This is a genuine attempt to grapple with a set of problems for which solutions are elusive. My objective in giving the seminar is, through organization of thoughts and discussion with the audience, to move toward a better understanding of how to engage with managers and policy makers. So come along in the spirit of discussion, but not to learn the answers. The presentation will be in four parts:

1.      Preamble – Setting the scene for the challenge of conservation science

2.      Reflection – 25 five years of engagement in context

3.      Challenges – Let’s consider some large ones: coal mining in Queensland; inadequate protected areas; vague ideas about sustainability and cumulative impacts; and sorting out the Coral Triangle Initiative.

4.      Towards better engagement – Developing a strategic approach for a conservation science group to maximize influence on managers and policy makers.

Biography:  Bob Pressey leads Program 6 in the ARC Centre of Excellence: “Conservation planning for a sustainable future”. By the time he stops work in a far distant time, he wants to have made a positive impact on the biodiversity and people of northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.