Life in the Torrid Zone: Proceedings of the Inaugural Torrid Zone Symposium 2009

Abstract

On 23-25 August 2009, James Cook University and the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist played host to a symposium comprising 40 leading thinkers from the world of international aid, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, industry, research and government. Their challenge was to consider major opportunities and threats facing the tropical world - Aristotle's Torrid Zone - in agriculture, health, environment, tropical living and education, and assess alternative ways in which these might be addressed to achieve win-win outcomes. This report draws together key points from their deliberations, which we hope will point the way towards a coordinated action agenda for Australian engagement in the Torrid Zone. Our thanks to the Queensland Government for assisting with the costs of the inaugural Torrid Zone Symposium by means of a Q150 grant, and to Stephanie Hunter, Melanie Gray and Maree Ainsworth for their hard work and organisation before and during the meeting.