PRESIDENT'S SEPTEMBER 2018 LETTER
Captain Rob van Eekeren - President, WBA. Switzerland – 23 September 2018 Interaction first
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Interaction between all participants is the main objective of the upcoming WBA biennial conference. Authorities (both civil and military), biologists, industry, pilots, policy makers, wildlife controllers and managers from all over the world will interact. A modern program makes that possible.
Your response to the call for papers resulted in a record of 57 requests for presentations and we managed to put almost all of them in the program.
At the first day, there will be plenary sessions with short to-the-point selected presentations of 15 minutes by specialists. Key-note speakers are from ICAO, Birdlife International, Polish Government, the Military and the WBA.
On the second day, 12 interactive workshops provide the opportunity to discuss various topics in depth. Each workshop starts with short introductions by specialists, followed by discussions to define the baseline and state-of-the-art practices. The workshops are flexible, allowing participants to walk in and out and also interact outside the workshops as they please.
Upon request by the civil and military aviation, we’ve scheduled specialized meetings on Wednesday morning; EASA will lead a European meeting, while a separate military meeting addresses the specific military wildlife strike hazards. We are still in the process to organize a special meeting with manufacturers as well. Later, each WBA Regional Committee will have their meeting, allowing for interaction and discussion of regional wildlife issues. Platinum and golden sponsors will present their products in the sponsor sessions. The last session of the conference will be dedicated to WBA issues. That includes also the results of the conference such as the conference WBA policy statements. See the conference program for more details.
All three days have many opportunities to interact during the coffee breaks and lunches.
On Thursday and Friday, the Joint Aviation Authorities Training Organization (JAA TO) will offer an opportunity for a limited number of participants to take part in its Wildlife Hazard Management training, with a huge discount (https://jaato.com/courses/692/), participation is on a first-come first-serve basis.
People first
Although preserving wildlife and the environment are fundamental, safeguarding human lives is, and remains, the primary objective. Manmade interference with nature has consequences, including the wildlife strike hazard. Manmade induced alterations could lead to changes in habitat and increase the wildlife strike hazard.
Over the years, many individuals and organizations have shown success in improving flight safety by reducing the bird and other wildlife strike risk for aviation in a cost-effective way, considering the need for a sustainable environment, either as part of their profession or as non-paid volunteers, but all are working for the common good. Without these people, the passengers and third parties would certainly have been exposed to higher wildlife strike risks. We believe that these exceptional people should be recognized. You’ll be provided the opportunity to nominate and later cast a vote.
WBA second
We have the policy to keep the conference fee as low as possible. That overcomes potential financial barriers, allowing participants from all over the world to attend. Our very strict spending policy combined with the help of sponsors and the limited fees have resulted in a healthy financial balance.
According to the WBA Statutes, all board members have a 2-year term; a maximum of three terms can be served. Three board members have served the maximum term and will step down at the conference.
It is heart-warming to note that several candidates have shown their interest in a board function. I take the opportunity to express my highest regards for Nick Carter and Albert de Hoon, both very productive since the very start. I would also like to show my highest appreciation for Ante Matijaca and Henrique Oliveira. They all have made it possible that the WBA is now in an excellent and best ever position to achieve its goal: “The WBA is to be the worldwide catalyst for improving flight safety by reducing the bird and other wildlife (hereinafter: bird/wildlife) strike risk for aviation in a cost-effective way, considering the need for a sustainable environment.“
I am looking forward meeting you in Warsaw!
Rob