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From the ACting President2021 has been a difficult year for many, and we were really hoping to bring the AWMS community together for a face-to-face conference this year. Unfortunately, with the ongoing lockdowns and travel restrictions we had no option but to switch to an online event. Like last year though, we have a large number of talks and it will be great to see everyone online. Thanks to the conference organising committee for their ability to adapt to the changing circumstances. The AWMS committee initiated a members survey this year because we are keen to hear your thoughts on the future directions for AWMS. The survey is still open and should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Please take the time to fill in the survey if you haven’t already done so. We have also added a new page to the AWMS website listing relevant Public Enquiries. Please let us know if there is a relevant enquiry that AWMS members may wish to comment on. Of particular interest, the Draft Kosciuszko National Park wild horse heritage management plan is now open for public consultation until the 2nd November. AWMS has several position statements on topical issues related to wildlife management. These position statements are drafted with input from AWMS members, but I would like to see AWMS become a more vocal advocate on public issues related to wildlife management. To aid this, the AWMS committee may seek input from members with specific expertise to help draft letters or submissions to public enquiries. The committee would also welcome members thoughts on particular issues of concern that could use support from AWMS, i.e. via a letter. Please get in contact if so. At the AGM this year several positions on the AWMS executive committee are up for re-election. In fact, every position except secretary is open for re-election in 2021! Please do reach out if you are interested in any positions and supporting the mission of AWMS by being on the committee. Every year AWMS gives out awards to members to further their careers and to acknowledge their contribution to the field of wildlife management. Thanks to those who applied for awards already this year, and please do take advantage of the awards we have on offer. See you all online at the conference! Wishing you all the best. Thomas Newsome 34th AWMS conference -Biodiversity Management and Climate Change
There will be more than 80 talks from Wildlife Managers in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The conference will feature symposia on the following topics:
There are several ways to participate at the AWMS2021 conference. Register as delegate to learn about projects and research, and network with other professionals in the wildlife management field, or promote your company or organisation with one of our sponsorship packages or take part in the trade exhibition. Last year the AWMS online conference attracted over 300 delegates from the Australasian region, with members from Australia, New Zealand, and around the world, all with a common interest, wildlife management. One of the aims of AWMS is to promote the use of science to identify appropriate wildlife management principles and practices, develop plans of management, and to implement and review these plans within a social, environmental, economic and political context. AWMS members include research scientists, educators, wildlife managers, and extension, interpretation and policy professionals. For more information on the conference, how to participate, student prizes and subsidies, and how to register please visit our conference website or contact the conference organiser. We sincerely hope that you will consider joining us at this year’s AWMS conference and look forward to seeing you there!
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This newsletter reflects the opinions of the author(s) but not necessarily those of the AWMS Committee or membership. AWMS makes no claim as to the accuracy of stated claims and any party using this information does so at their own risk.