Focus Is on Smart Growth, Sustainability at International Forum

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Smart growth and environmental sustainability are two of the most critical topics of the 21st century. Florida Tech will again address
these issues at its fourth international, interdisciplinary forum, “Sustainable Pathways: New Research and Practices,” on March 6-7 on campus. The forum is
a collaborative effort of the Florida Tech College of Business and the College of Science. The public is invited to attend.
The forum is an outgrowth of Florida Tech’s five-year collaboration with Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME), a partnership for examining
environmental issues in a market economy.
“The forum will take a holistic approach, looking at sustainability issues from business, science and socio-political viewpoints,” said Gordon L. Nelson,
dean of Florida Tech’s College of Science. “It is designed to appeal to a varied audience and will offer the latest academic research and perspectives for
practitioners and public policy makers.
The forum begins on March 6 with a look at developments in ecotourism. Among the speakers will be Ken Lindeman of the Environmental Defense Fund,
presenting “Converging the Disciplines of Coastal Tourism and Coastal Management.”
Noted Florida Tech biologist Mark B. Bush will focus on “Sustainability and Tropical Resources.” Isabella Bunn of Oxford will focus on “Corporate Social
Responsibility.”
Also planned for March 6 is an ecotourism practitioner’s forum. Expected participants include Keith Winsten of Brevard Zoo, and Laurilee Thompson of the
Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival.
The final day of the forum offers a panel discussion on smart growth and regional planning, coordinated by Brevard County Commissioner Sue Carlson.
Other sessions include “Sustainability, Technology & Innovation,” and “Renewable Energy,” led by speakers and panelists from Florida Tech, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, and the European Commission.
Duane E. De Freese, vice president for Florida Research of Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, will give the luncheon keynote address that day. His topic is
“Sustainability of Ocean Resources.”
Afternoon sessions will look at fossil fuel depletion, the status of Florida renewable energy approaches, a solar-hydrogen airport demonstration site,
biofuel efforts at Florida Tech, wave energy in the Indian River lagoon and European renewable energy directions.
The previous three sustainability forums have been held at Florida Tech or at Budapest University of Technology and Economics. A fifth forum, funded by
UNESCO and set for December 2007 in Budapest, is already being planned.
Online registration begins in mid-January at http://research.fit.edu/sustainability/.A conference registration fee of $85 entitles registrants to attend
all daily sessions as well as luncheons. The fee is $25 for students. A separate fee of $45 covers a keynote dinner on the evening of March 6. For more
information, and to register, contact Linda Ward at (321) 674-7573 or at lward@fit.edu.