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.

 

8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB)

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?

News

Interview with Keynote speaker: Berta Martin-Lopez

Berta Martin-Lopez (Leuphana University Lüneburg, Social-Ecological Systems Institute  (SESI)) will bring a blend of natural and social sciences to ECCB 2026 as one of the keynote […]

ECCB2026 Registration Fee Waivers

The Society for Conservation Biology Europe Region is pleased to invite applications for registration fee waivers for the European Congress of Conservation Biology 2026 (ECCB), which […]

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Call for Abstracts

The call for abstracts for parallel (regular) sessions has been extended to March 1st, 2026! Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are invited to submit their abstracts for […]

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

The 8th European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB) is organised by the Europe Region of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and Leiden University (FWN/CML), this year’s host, in collaboration with the organising partners Hortus botanicus, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), NIOO-KNAW and supported by the Leiden Biodiversity Network.

Sponsors

NWO (Dutch Research Council)

Exhibitors

Cambridge University Press

Discover, Springer Nature

Pensoft Publishers

Sylphium molecular ecology

Wildlife Acoustics

Organising partners

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.