AFC to Announce First International Bear Day at Symposium

On September 11, Artists for Conservation will announce the first International Bear Day at its second annual BC Conservation Symposium, hosted at the Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia. A panel of conservation experts and guests will together select the date to be recognized annually as International Bear Day.

The Symposium offers a unique forum to explore how principles, passion, art and education can strengthen the conservation movement. Given the recent spotlight on bear trophy hunting, the Symposium aims to stimulate healthy dialogue around the critical role bears play in our ecosystem, their economic and cultural value, and the strong relationship between a healthy bear population and healthy overall forest ecosystem.

A teaser art exhibit from the forthcoming Artists for Conservation Festival (Sept 26-Oct 5 at Grouse Mountain) and fine art exhibit will be on display in the Beaty Museum for the enjoyment of symposium attendees and will remain on exhibit through September 14th. A special selection of Bear and related conservation films will run for three days (September 12-14) for public viewing in the Beaty Biodiversity Museum theatre, following the Symposum.

Guests attending the Symposium will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most well-respected conservation leaders and artists. Dr. Faisal Moola, Director General at the David Suzuki Foundation, BC artist Mark Hobson and conservation experts from Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Bears Forever, Coastal First Nations and Grouse Mountain's Refuge for Endangered Wildlife will offer presentations throughout the day.

General public is welcome. For online registration please visit: www.ConservationBC.org

Photos courtesy of A. S. Wright. Painting credits: Val Warner (Grizzly), Leslie Evans (Black Bear), Andrea Rich (Grizzly Woodcut), Anni Crouter (Polar Bear).