General Information
A fundamental premise of biocultural conservation is that cultural and philosophical perspectives must be combined with empirical scientific research to achieve viable conservation and sustainable development practices. The Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems and Biocultural Conservation research cluster is at the forefront of this precept and a keystone player in a project of international importance: the preservation of the rich biological and cultural attributes of the Cape Horn Archipelago – located at the southern tip of South America in the sub-antarctic ecoregion; one of the world’s last remaining pristine wilderness areas and the closest continental region to Antarctica. As such, the UNT-based cluster contributes additional research opportunities to projects initiated by the broader alliance of institutions that constitute the Sub-antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program, coordinated by UNT in the United States and the University of Magallanes and the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity in Chile, by integrating ecological sciences with environmental philosophy and the arts in a context of collaborative research, international partnerships, interdisciplinary education and public outreach. The cluster’s work spans borders as well as disciplines, and a field station in Omora Ethnobotanical Park serves as an important research hub and laboratory where scholars collaborate with participants, ranging from local communities to internationally renowned institutions, including UNESCO.
Latest News
Coordinator of the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program and research cluster is featured on UNT television program
UNT’s television station, ntTV, presents Spectra, a new program designed to stimulate dialogue and interest in a variety of innovative research projects across the university. In each episode, two faculty members from different academic departments and disciplines discuss topics relevant to their research and explore the underlying concepts, strategies and approaches that guide their respective fields.
The premiere episode features Chris Anderson, a biologist in the UNT Department of Biological Sciences and coordinator of the Sub-Antarctic Biocultural Conservation Program and research cluster, in conversation with Leslie Robertson, a curator, researcher and lecturer in the Fibers and Weaving Program in the College of Visual Arts and Design and the UNT Institute for the Advancement of the Arts Faculty Fellow for the 2010-11 academic year. The two will discuss aspects of ecology, conservation and cultural traditions based on Anderson's work in Chile at the Omora Ethnobotanical Park and Robertson's work in Uganda.
Spectra is hosted and co-produced by Julie West, publications specialist with the Office of Research and Economic Development.
Chilean environmental expert to join UNT faculty
Dr. Jaime Jiménez, a leading expert on wildlife conservation and environmental studies in the sub-Antarctic region of Chile, will join the faculty of the University of North Texas in January, bringing a wealth of technical expertise to one of the university's most prominent areas of international and interdisciplinary research.
Jimenez will be part of the Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems and Biocultural Conservation research cluster, hosted at UNT by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Philosophy & Religion Studies in association with Chilean partners including the Universidad de Magallanes and the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity. This world recognized team collaborates with private agencies and government officials to implement long-term biocultural conservation in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve in Chile.
"Dr. Jimenez is a wonderful addition to our department because of the knowledge he brings to us in terms of basic ecology and the experience he has in sub-Antarctic ecosystem research," said Art Goven, chair of the department of Biological Sciences at UNT. "Dr. Jimenez will serve as a bridge, strengthening the already strong ties between UNT and our partners in Chili as we continue to focus our research efforts on bio-cultural conservation." (full article)