Dr Stephen Woodley, Chief Scientist for Parks Canada, will warn a conference at the University on Wednesday 27 June, that those involved in setting up Scotland's first National Park will fail unless they learn the lessons of Canada.

In essence the Canadian experience is that where park managers failed to use environmental science accurately and precisely then conservation of wildlife and landscape suffered. Dr Woodley's intervention is timely as fresh consultation is begun by the Scottish Executive who are seeking to make the management of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs as effective as possible for 2002, when the National Park is expected to be formed.

Dr Woodley will be speaking at an international symposium on Loch Lomond, and the Role of Science in National Parks. The Symposium is organised by the University of Glasgow which has a unique scientific research facility within the boundaries of the Loch Lomond National Park, at Rowardenan.

Dr Colin Adams, Director of the University Field Station on Loch Lomond says: "We are keen to raise the profile of objective science as a tool to encourage effective conservation. There are commercial pressures favouring development, and no commercial pressures that promote conservation. Science has a role in assessing competing objectives, and the University is uniquely placed to provide this scientific expertise. The field station, which has fifty years of research behind it, is well placed to provide the basic science and undertake a wide range of environmental monitoring, and user surveys.

"Loch Lomond is famous across the world, and the scientists at Rowardenan are determined to use their expertise to help with its conservation for future generations."

Further information for journalists is available at http://newsdesk.gla.ac.uk/pressreleases

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

You are invited to be represented at the symposium on Wednesday 27 June at 09.30 a.m. in the Western Lecture theatre.

Dr Woodley, will lecture 10.00 and be available for interview at 11.00.

The programme appears below.

A map will be faxed on request.

For further information contact the University Press Office: 0141 330 3535 or Dr Colin Adams 01360 870 271

Programme for 27 June

Western Lecture Theatre, University of Glasgow

The Role of Conservation Science in National parks : An international symposium with national relevance

Chair: Prof. David Mackay - Chairman of EnviroCentre.

09.00 - 09.30 Registration in the Western Infirmary Lecture Theatre - Glasgow University

09.30 - 09.40 Opening Remarks by the chairman Prof. David Mackay

09.40 - 10.00 Prof Sir Graeme Davies - Principal - Glasgow University - "The role of universities in research in National parks"

10.00-11.00 Stephen Woodley - Parks Canada - The need for Science in National Parks Management - Experience from Canada

11.00 - 11.10 - Questions and Open Discussion

11.10 - 11.45 Coffee -

11.45 - 12.45 - Nick Hanley Glasgow University - Putting economic values on environmental resources of National Parks

12.45- 02.00 - Lunch

2.00 - 2.45 Kurt Duwe Hydromod Germany - The role of the lake modelling science as a predictive tool for management

2.45 - 3.30 Dieter Boymanns - European Commission - Joint Research Centre - EU water policy and directives - how will they support the management of waters in the new national park?

3.30-3.45 Coffee

3.45 - 4.30 Jim Hansom - Glasgow University - What do we know about Scotland?s first national park - where are the gaps?

4.30 - 4.45 Questions and Open Discussion

First published: 25 June 2001