BES Annual Meeting 2024: Thematic sessions set in the context of a changing climate and an industrial world

It should come as no surprise that biodiversity conservation is a pertinent subject in the context of a changing climate and an industrial world. Our BES Annual Meeting offers a unique platform for practitioners and researchers to engage in meaningful, impact-driven discussions on the pressing issues that shape our daily lives.

Today, we take a closer look at three thematic sessions at the BES Annual Meeting 2024 which approach the topic from different angles to give you a sneak peek into the programme at this year’s conference.

How is England delivering its biodiversity targets?

Among the sessions will be one which aims to foster a deeper understanding of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 's (Defra) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) plans for the UK Government’s 2022 biodiversity targets, particularly regarding the mitigation of species decline and enhancement of nature-rich habitats.

The session, 'Defra Briefing: Delivering England's Environment Act Biodiversity Targets' will provide an overview of the monitoring processes, policy development and synthesis of evidence for these targets to create stronger links with the ecological community and improve public policy through better use of research evidence.

What is the role of nature finance in preserving biodiversity?

Nature financing is an emerging initiative using tools such as green bonds and biodiversity credit schemes that aim to influence private and public spending for a more nature-integrated market. Researchers working in the intersection between the financial system and the environment take us through how nature finance can be integrated into policy, research and on-the-ground actions, to produce tangible results, while outlining opportunities for fellow ecologists to get involved.

At the Annual Meeting, we have a session titled, 'Engaging with nature finance to address the biodiversity crisis' that delves into the ways financial incentives are being developed to help mitigate nature loss and uplift ecosystem degradation.

How can we harness a nature-positive future?

Last but most certainly not least, the session titled ‘Biodiversity Futures: harnessing the power of scenarios and models to reach nature positive’ introduces us to the science of biodiversity modelling and its role in an increasingly volatile world.

In this session, interdisciplinary researchers will share their efforts to create a framework for predicting future trends and how they may be influenced by land use, policy, and climate change. You will be introduced to various scenario-building approaches that are essential to ensuring that communities are prepared to tackle challenges as they arise.

These sessions will be taking place at the Annual Meeting 2024, alongside a wide range of workshops, scientific talks, and networking opportunities.

Register before 31 October to get a discounted early bird ticket and join us in Liverpool.