Core Theme
At this congress, our goal is to promote effective biodiversity conservation. In this way we want to stress that biodiversity conservation requires not just the efforts of conservationists alone, but instead entails a broader challenge, for which we need coordinated multidisciplinary and science-based actions. To implement this theme, we will invite keynotes on our three main topics:
- Connecting the field of conservation biology; what is the current state of the art and how can we learn from each other and inspire each other.
- Connecting conservation biology to all other disciplines necessary to achieve effective biodiversity conservation.
- Connecting conservation biology with crucial stakeholders in society to attain effective biodiversity conservation.
Welcome & Ceremonials
17:30 – 17:40 – Welcome to Leiden
Prof. Dr. Sarah de Rijcke
Rector Magnificus of Leiden University / Chair professor of Science, Technology & Innovation Studies
17:40 – 17:50 – Opening Conference
Dr. Laura Bosco
President of SCB Europe
17:50 – 18:00 – Remarks of the Chairs LOC and SC
Dr. Krijn Trimbos
Chair Local Organising Committee
Prof. Dr. Peter van Bodegom
Chair Scientific Committee
18:00 – 18:15 – Setting the theme of the congress: effective biodiversity conservation & ECCB Statement: ‘1% of GDP for safeguarding nature!’
Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo
Congress co-organiser
Effective Biodiversity Conservation: Science <> Policy interaction
18:15 – 18:30 – Keynote: What is needed to put biodiversity higher on the political agenda?
Dr. h.c. Frans Timmermans
Former European Commissioner, responsible for the Green Deal
18:30 – 18:45 – Keynote: EU strategy for Biodiversity current progress and development beyond 2030
Mr. Eric Mamer
Director-General Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV)
18:45 – 19:00 – Keynote: The Science for Policy Interface: Biodiversity in support of sustainable competitiveness
Ms. Alessandra Zampieri
Director of the Directorate for Sustainable Resources of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC)
19:00 – 19:15 – Keynote
Ms. Sanne Kruid
Team Leader International Biodiversity Policy at the Dutch Ministry of Nature, Agriculture and Food Quality
19:15 – 20:00 – Interactive Forum: Towards effective biodiversity Conservation!
With: Eric Mamer, Alessandra Zampieri, Frans Timmermans and Ms. Sanne Kruid
Moderated by Dr. Laura Bosco & Dr. Alexander van Oudenhoven
Scientists have been calling for decades to bend the curve of biodiversity decline. Yet the message is failing to reach policymakers and politicians. Safeguarding biodiversity appears to be viewed as important, but not urgent. Moreover, initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the 30 x 30 strategy, which were welcomed by the conservation community, have since been repeatedly watered down significantly. As a result, biodiversity continues to decline. To achieve effective biodiversity conservation, we need to find a strategy forward founded on interaction between science and society.