September 19-20, 2010
The 15th Kyoto University International Symposium, titled Biodiversity, Zoos and Aquariums: The Message from Animals was held at the Kowan Kaikan in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture on September 19 to 20, 2010. Kyoto University International symposia have been held once or twice a year at various venues around the world since 2000. The symposia, which are supported by the Kyoto University Foundation, aim to internationally publicize the university's research achievements, and provide a forum for researchers with shared interests from around the world to communicate and cooperate. This 15th International symposium drew approximately 480 participants during its two days, including many members of the general public in addition to students, researchers, and zoo and aquarium specialists from eight different countries.
On the first day of the symposium, a welcome address by Professor Shiro Kohshima of the Wildlife Research Center of Kyoto University commenced the first session of presentations, which was subtitled Research and Conservation in Wild Habitats. Presentations were given on various research projects from around the world, including studies being undertaken on dolphins in the Amazon River and research into Asian elephants. The afternoon session featured a speech by Professor Nobutaka Fujii, executive vice-president of Kyoto University, who discussed the symposium's theme of biodiversity and the importance of university cooperation with zoos and aquariums. Following Executive Vice-President Fujii's speech, the first day's presentation session was brought to a close with a friendly address by Mr. Masao Yamada, vice-mayor of Nagoya City, who introduced the city to the attendees and commented on the preceding lectures. There then followed a poster session, which was held in two separate halls, both of which were filled with lively scenes of discussion. The good-natured academic exchange continued during the symposium's reception party, which was held that evening at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. The shoals of fish on display in the aquarium's tanks provided an atmospheric background for the scholarly discussions.
The second day's presentation session, which was subtitled Research, Conservation and Education in Zoos and Aquariums, featured lectures on various studies and cooperative research being undertaken at zoos and aquariums in Australia and the United States. The symposium ended with addresses by Mr. Makoto Soichi, director of Port of Nagoya Aquarium and Mr. Hiroshi Kobayashi, director of Higashiyama Zoo. The two directors announced that they would endeavor to enhance their facilities' contribution to the conservation of biodiversity.
Compared to other countries, Japan is often considered to be lagging behind in terms of the cooperation between zoos and aquariums and education and research institutions such as universities. The symposium therefore provided a valuable opportunity for representatives from such institutions and facilities to meet, exchange views, and improve their collaboration networks. It is hoped that the symposium will have an enduring positive effect on the advancement of environmental education and research and the conservation of biodiversity
 (L to R) Professor Shiro Kohshima, Executive Vice-President Nobutaka Fujii, Professor Tetsuo Sawaragi | |
 The poster session on the first day of the symposium |  The reception party on the first day of the symposium |
 The symposium was well attended, with the venue filled to capacity |  Dr. Tara Stoinski(Zoo Atlanta) |
 Mr. Masahiro Sato(Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo) |  Dr. Fred B.Bercovitch(Kyoto University) |