Sustainable Ecosystems Institute December 16, 1999

Paul Ehrlich and Don Kennedy join Sustainable Ecosystems Institute Science Trustees.

Sustainable Ecosystems Institute (SEI) recently welcomed scientists, authors, and environmental leaders, Paul Ehrlich and Don Kennedy to its board of Science Trustees.

One of the worlds best known advocates for the environment, Paul Ehrlich has spent over thirty years as scientist, author, and educator, enhancing public understanding of a wide range of environmental issues, including conservation biology, biodiversity, and habitat preservation. As professor of population biology at Stanford University, Ehrlich heads the Center for Conservation Biology. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, and has received numerous awards for his conservation work.

Don Kennedy is President Emeritus at Stanford University, and Bing Professor of Environmental Sciences. The former head of the US Food and Drug Administration, he has worked tirelessly to bring science into policy decisions. An avid birder, and passionate about the natural world, Dr. Kennedy was Professor of Biology in 1973 and central to Stanford's decision to dedicate the Jasper Ridge Preserve in that year. Jasper Ridge is now one of the most famous preserves and long term study sites in the US. Dr. Kennedy has recently been appointed editor in chief of the prestigious weekly journal Science.

Speaking at Stanford University, after the announcement on Wednesday, SEI President Dr. Deborah Brosnan said that SEI was delighted and honored to welcome them to the Institute. "Paul and Don have displayed rare leadership in all aspects of their professional and personal lives. Both have sought ways to translate meaningful science into workable policies and decisions, and both have reached out to a diverse constituency. Most of all they have maintained their enthusiasm and optimism about science and the future" Brosnan said.

"SEI's strengthened initiative on providing greater outreach to stakeholders and making science central to decisions everywhere from the boardroom, to the halls of government, to small community meetings will benefit greatly from the input of Paul Ehrlich and Don Kennedy. We are tremendously excited to have them working with us" She added

Founded in 1992, SEI works to sustain natural ecosystems and the humans that depend on them using science-based and cooperative solutions. Over 100 scientists are associated with the Institute which is headquartered in Portland Oregon, and works nationally and internationally on ecological issues.

Contact: Keith Bernhardt
Programs Coordinator SEI
503-246-5008
e-mail bernhardt@sei.org