Global biodiversity patterns, spiritual values, and transformative change
29th IEF Webinar, April 6
The well attended webinar attracted participants from all over the world, from Canada, China, Fiji, the Netherlands, and many other countries! They could all enjoy a very interesting and thoughtfully prepared webinar and a lively discussion afterward. A recording of the webinar will become available on the IEF website. For all past recordings, go here: https://iefworld.org/lectures
Speaker: Cedric Ã…kermark
Cedric had the opportunity to represent IEF at the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science Policy panel for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) Youth Workshop in Namibia in December 2024. IPBES is working on assessing knowledge of global biodiversity patterns and supporting policy making in addressing the challenges that biodiversity and ecosystem services are facing. He will share some of the important messages of key IPBES assessments. He will also discuss how the Writings and guidance of the Bahá'à Faith relate to these messages, and we will together reflect on how we can contribute to the discourse on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Bio: As a PhD student, I research how aquatic biodiversity in forest ecosystems is affected by forest management and climate change, focusing on biodiversity in natural streams, ditches, and "dreams" (modified streams or naturalized ditches) using eDNA metabarcoding. With increasing climate pressures and forestry impacts, my work aims to improve understanding of biodiversity patterns, the effects of extreme hydrological events, and how to enhance future monitoring efforts. I have been a member of IEF since 2022, and through my engagement in IEF I have been able to find connections between my academic interests and some of my core values such as the oneness of humankind and the harmony between science and religion.