Effective biodiversity conservation

Reversing the loss of biodiversity in the world’s terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems is one of the greatest challenges we face. However, effective biodiversity conservation requires not just the efforts of conservationists alone, but also relies on contributions, commitment and cooperation across many disciplines and sectors. In Europe governments, NGOs, citizens and businesses are already working alongside ecologists and conservationists in response to the biodiversity crisis.

At this ECCB 2026 congress in Leiden, our goal is to promote effective biodiversity conservation by addressing the following main questions:

  • What do we mean by effective biodiversity conservation in Europe? Should the focus be on protecting species, ecosystems, landscapes, people’s wellbeing and social equity or something else?
  • What are our goals, and how far away are we from reaching them?
  • What are the most effective conservation strategies in terrestrial habitats, in freshwater and in the marine environment?
  • How can scientific advances and new techniques contribute to effective biodiversity conservation in Europe?
  • How can the complementary skills and contrasting perspectives of the different academic, practitioner and stakeholder communities work together to enable effective biodiversity conservation?

This 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) 2026, is organized by the Europe Region of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) in collaboration with Leiden University.

View on quiet peaceful place at dutch hiking trail with idyllic river wetland, lush green meadow and tree against deep blue cloudless summer sky - Neer (Limburg), Netherlands

Effective biodiversity conservation

Welcome to the 8th ECCB in Leiden, where researchers, policymakers, and practitioners will have the opportunity share knowledge and exchange ideas. Not only will this congress present exciting scientific research, but we will also showcase successful collaborations and build bridges between stakeholders and disciplines.  The meeting will provide an important opportunity to tackle the issues that we all face in everyday life, including how to communicate the biodiversity conservation message effectively, and   how to maintain a dialogue in difficult political or social circumstances.

During this week we will try to find answers to our key question: how can biodiversity be safeguarded effectively in the long term?

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) wader bird in field with chick. Hatchlings of meadow bird forage for their own food. Parents are guarding. Wildlife scene of nature in Europe.