Report on the Indiana Invasive Species Conference

Introduction and Strategic Importance

Purdue Extension, in collaboration with the Indiana Invasive Species Council, will host the Indiana Invasive Species Conference on September 4-5 in Hammond, Indiana. This event convenes academic professionals, industry experts, and citizen scientists to address the significant threats posed by invasive species. The conference’s mission directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on the preservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable environmental management.

Conference Objectives and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The conference is designed to foster education, professional networking, and hands-on training to combat the spread of invasive species. As stated by Alicia Kelley, State Survey Coordinator for the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey, “Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our natural environments and resources.” The initiative’s core objectives align with the following SDGs:

• SDG 15: Life on Land: The primary focus of the conference is to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By addressing invasive species that harm native flora and fauna, forests, and public parks, the event directly contributes to halting biodiversity loss.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water: Sessions dedicated to aquatic invasive species prevention and management address the goal of conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources. The conference will tackle threats to rivers and lakes that communities rely on for food and recreation.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The impact of invasive species on urban landscapes and public health is a key theme. By providing citizens and professionals with tools for management, the conference supports the creation of inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between Purdue Extension and the Indiana Invasive Species Council exemplifies a multi-stakeholder partnership essential for achieving sustainable development. The conference provides a platform for strengthening these vital connections.

Conference Program and Schedule

Day 1: Educational and Technical Sessions (September 4)

The first day will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT at the South Shore Indiana Welcome Center. The agenda includes educational presentations, a student poster session, and a trade show. Participants can select from two specialized tracks:

1. Citizen Scientist Track: Tailored for individuals interested in local and domestic action. This track supports SDG 11 and SDG 15 by focusing on:
   • Management and prevention of invasive species in the Great Lakes region.
   • Conservation of ecologically valuable native species.
   • Sustainable landscape design.
2. Management Track: Intended for professionals in large-scale land management. This track supports SDG 14 and SDG 15 with sessions on:
   • Aquatic invasive species prevention and management.
   • Control techniques for invasive woody plant species.
   • Emerging technology and methods for invasive species mapping.
   • Forest invasive species.
   • Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs) will be available for professionals.

Day 2: Field Events and Practical Application (September 5)

The second day offers attendees practical field experiences to observe land restoration efforts and invasive species management in Lake County. These events directly demonstrate the application of principles discussed in support of SDG 15 (Life on Land). Field trip locations range from the Indiana Dunes to various nature preserves, with hikes of varying difficulty levels.

Registration and Contact Information

Registration Details

• Early Bird Registration: $80 (ends July 31).
• Standard Registration: $95 (after July 31).
• Student Presenter Registration: $50.
• Registration includes breakfast and lunch on September 4.

Contact and Accommodations

• General Inquiries: Direct questions to the Indiana Invasive Species Conference Planning Committee at iisc@purdue.edu.
• Accommodations/Language Services: Contact Purdue Conferences at confreg@purdue.edu.
• Note: Attendees under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire focus is on managing “invasive species,” which are explicitly called “one of the greatest threats to our natural environments and resources.” The article mentions the spotted lanternfly as an example and discusses impacts on “native flora and fauna,” “forest invasive species,” and “public parks and preserves,” all of which are core components of SDG 15.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  The article extends the issue of invasive species to aquatic environments. It mentions that the conference will cover “aquatic invasive species prevention and management” and that these species impact “rivers and lakes that people rely on for food and recreation.” The focus on the “Great Lakes region” further solidifies this connection.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The article is an announcement for the “Indiana Invasive Species Conference,” an event centered on education. It aims to provide “valuable education, and receive hands-on training from experts.” The creation of specific educational tracks like the “Citizen Scientist Track” and the “Management Track,” along with the availability of “Continuing Certification Hours (CCHs),” directly addresses the goal of providing inclusive and quality education for promoting sustainable development.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The conference is a collaborative effort, highlighting the importance of partnerships. It is hosted by “Purdue Extension, in partnership with the Indiana Invasive Species Council.” The event is designed to “connect with academic and industry professionals,” demonstrating a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing the complex issue of invasive species.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 15.8: Prevent the introduction and reduce the impact of invasive alien species.

   The article is centered on this target. The conference’s purpose is to address the threat of invasive species through sessions on “management and prevention of invasive species,” “control techniques for invasive woody plant species,” and “emerging technology and methods for invasive tree and shrub mapping.”

2. Target 15.5: Protect biodiversity and natural habitats.

   The article connects invasive species to biodiversity loss by stating they impact “native flora and fauna.” The conference includes sessions on the “conservation of ecologically valuable native species” and field events to observe “land restoration efforts,” which are direct actions towards halting biodiversity loss and restoring habitats.

3. Target 14.2: Protect and restore ecosystems.

   While this target specifically mentions marine and coastal ecosystems, its principles apply to the large freshwater ecosystems discussed in the article. The conference sessions on “aquatic invasive species prevention and management” and the focus on the “Great Lakes region” and its “rivers and lakes” align with the goal of managing and protecting aquatic ecosystems from adverse impacts, including those from invasive species.

4. Target 4.7: Education for sustainable development and global citizenship.

   The conference is a direct mechanism for achieving this target. It provides learners (both professionals and the public) with the “knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development” by educating them on how to manage invasive species. The “Citizen Scientist Track” is specifically designed to empower individuals with knowledge on “what steps can be taken at home,” promoting sustainable lifestyles.

5. Target 17.17: Encourage effective partnerships.

   The organization of the conference exemplifies this target. The collaboration between “Purdue Extension” (an academic/public institution) and the “Indiana Invasive Species Council” to bring together “academic and industry professionals” and the public (“Citizen Scientist Track”) is a clear example of a “public, public-private and civil society partnership” working towards a common goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not provide quantitative data but implies several qualitative and activity-based indicators for measuring progress:

• Existence of policies and strategies for invasive species management: The existence and activity of the “Indiana Invasive Species Council” and its partnership in hosting the conference serve as an indicator that state-level strategies are in place to address invasive species (relevant to Target 15.8).
• Implementation of educational and awareness campaigns: The conference itself is a key indicator. The number of attendees, the specific tracks (“Citizen Scientist Track,” “Management Track”), and the student poster session are all measurable outcomes that indicate progress in education (relevant to Target 4.7).
• Implementation of management and restoration actions: The article mentions specific actions that can be tracked as indicators. These include “hands-on training,” the application of “control techniques for invasive woody plant species,” the use of “emerging technology and methods for invasive tree and shrub mapping,” and the execution of “land restoration efforts” observed during field events (relevant to Targets 15.8, 15.5, and 14.2).
• Number and quality of multi-stakeholder partnerships: The partnership between Purdue Extension and the Indiana Invasive Species Council, and their success in attracting “academic and industry professionals,” is an indicator of effective collaboration (relevant to Target 17.17).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: hoosieragtoday.com