An American world authority on biodiversity will speak in Christchurch on Monday 29 January.

Harvard University Professor Peter Ashton will attend a special meeting on biodiversity at Riccarton Bush along with other Harvard colleagues. A briefing to the overseas and Christchurch experts on the decline of New Zealand's biodiversity will be held at Riccarton Bush to foreshadow the production of a natural biodiversity strategy by the Christchurch City Council.

The botanist for Riccarton Bush, Dr Brian Molloy, will lead a guided tour of Riccarton Bush pointing out the effects of new conservation work.

The meeting will consider the decline of biodiversity and what action Christchurch might take to protect and restore its biological assets.

The meeting will be told about the importance of Christchurch's indigenous species. They will hear how the species are needed to make the city a better place to live, work and play, and also create a point of difference that is a draw card for visitors.

Scientists and other writers who contributed to a newly published book on the city's biodiversity, Christchurch Naturally - Discovering the City's Wild Side, will also attend the biobriefing.

Christchurch's Mayor, Garry Moore, will launch the book in February at an event on the Port Hills.

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

© Scoop Media