Building International Networks in Ecology and Conservation

From Collaboration to Meaningful Participation

8:00 am EST · 7:00 am CST · 8:00 am COT · 2:00 pm CET · 6:30 pm IST · 9:00 pm China

Online via Zoom · 1 hour 35 minutes · Open to ATBC members

About the webinar

How can we move beyond simply connecting people and institutions to build international collaborations that are meaningful, equitable and sustainable?

This interactive webinar, organized by the ATBC Mentoring, Networking and Education Committee, explores how international networks in ecology and conservation are built and sustained. The speakers will discuss what makes networks effective, how collaborations begin, and how ethics, equity, access, power, interdisciplinarity and cross-cultural engagement shape the way we work together.

Speakers

Dr. Claudia Garnica-Díaz

Louisiana State University (USA)

Plant ecologist studying plant functional traits, tropical forest dynamics and ecosystem responses to environmental change. She brings a perspective on building more inclusive and equitable research collaborations.

Dr. Ana Rita Simões

Missouri Botanical Garden (USA)

Research botanist and West Africa Coordinator working on plant taxonomy and systematics, with fieldwork and collaborations across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. She brings the perspective of a researcher who has developed and sustained international professional networks.

Dr. Michaela Lo

University of Kent (UK)

Research Associate at the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, whose interdisciplinary research on forests, human well-being and community forestry is based mainly in Indonesia. She brings an early-career perspective on how networks can be more inclusive and responsive to diverse knowledge systems.

Moderators: Eben Goodale, M. Alejandra Jaramillo and Dibyadeep Chatterjee

Format

Opening and framing
Short presentations from the three speakers
Q&A on the presentations
Breakout room discussions with the speakers, focused on participants’ experiences, challenges and creative solutions
Group discussion to share key insights, and closing

The breakout discussions are built around participants, so please bring your experience and ideas!

Who should join?

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, educators, students, and anyone interested in building international connections in ecology and conservation, whether you are just getting started or already part of a network.

Registration

This webinar is open to ATBC members. Join or renew your membership here.

Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. The main session will be recorded and may be shared by ATBC for educational and promotional purposes. Breakout rooms will not be recorded.

Questions? Contact us at communications@tropicalbiology.org