BIOMES: "Envisioning an Interconnected Future: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams on the interconnection of nature and people"

NOTE: This seminar will not be live-streamed or recorded. 

About the Seminar:
In this BIOMES series seminar, Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, explores the profound interconnectedness of conservation efforts, underscoring the holistic nature of environmental stewardship. Through her leadership lens, Director Williams will illuminate how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) serves as a linchpin in the intricate web of ecological and social systems in addressing biodiversity and climate change challenges.

Director Williams will delve into the essence of Service - its vision, purpose, mission, values, and programs - revealing how these elements align to foster a culture of collaboration. By focusing on the big picture and holistic solutions, the Service exemplifies how integrating diverse perspectives and expertise can drive impactful conservation outcomes.

Drawing from her leadership experiences, Director Williams will share insights on the importance of staying curious, embracing collaboration, and engaging in hard conversations. Her approach, which balances listening with decisive action, highlights the need for collaborative leadership in addressing today’s complex environmental challenges. Director Williams will discuss examples of how the Service and its partners, federal, state, and local agencies, Tribes and indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, and industry, work together to implement effective conservation strategies.

Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for how conservation efforts are most successful when they are grounded in a recognition of the interconnectedness of biological, social, and cultural factors. Williams will underscore that true progress in conservation arises from understanding and leveraging these connections to create resilient and sustainable solutions. This talk will inspire participants to embrace collaboration and connection as essential components in advancing conservation goals and fostering lasting environmental impact.

About the Series:
Over the last fifteen years, the Yale School of the Environment has held a weekly seminar series, called BIOMES, which has been the School’s flagship forum for bringing cutting-edge research and impactful work to the community. BIOMES stands for ‘Bridging Issues & Optimizing Methods in Environmental Studies”

The series is a community-sourced and student-led effort designed to bring different perspectives to YSE’s main stage.