About the Charles Darwin Symposia

The aim of the Charles Darwin Symposia discussions is to create stimulating and enriching debate which will enable people of differing perspectives, disciplines, vocations and contexts to signpost policy and research issues relevant to imagining and managing our future. It enables people to begin conversations and discussions they can then take to other contexts, igniting actions and thoughts that extend the influence of ideas in unexpected directions.

The Charles Darwin Symposium Series is designed to mark the University as a space where diverse ideas about contemporary life and issues can be debated by a broad cross-section of the community.

The Series attracts high quality speakers, blending local, national and international, academic, professional and lay perspectives on issues of importance to the Territory and our special place in the world.

The Living Desert

A public forum on Knowledge, Community and the Desert

9 - 10 November 2004

The desert is a European idea. It is often equated with hostile terms such as 'wilderness', ‘a wasteland', 'uninhabited', and, in general 'inhospitable'. But all of the world's deserts are populated; some for tens of thousands of years. They are places of rich culture, diverse plant and animal life, spectacular scenery and often uncertain futures.

In a shrinking world, how should knowledge about desert regions be used, owned, gathered and archived? How can such knowledge help community development, cultural priorities and environmental protection?

How can a university in the desert be of assistance?

This public forum brings together an exciting array of local, national and international speakers and is intended to discuss the important intellectual and institutional issues related to learning and research in Desert Regions. Community and Indigenous engagement, reciprocity, future scenario building, equity, access and outreach are important aspects. The concept of "University" is meant to be a very broad one. Many institutional arrangements, strategies and partnerships can be envisioned.

Of course, time does not permit us to cover every issue and problem, though our challenge is to lift the horizons about what higher education in the desert could be. It is an opportunity for residents, communities, organisations, educators and researchers to express their views about the long-term future.

For more information contact:

Charles Darwin Symposium Convenor
Professor Donna Craig
Chair of Desert Knowledge
Charles Darwin University

All Enquiries

Media Contact

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