Brisbane to host conservation conference in 2025

Hosting the congress is an opportunity to create real change through an interdisciplinary approach to solving Australia’s conservation biology issues

The International Congress for Conservation Biology is set to take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in 2025, showcasing Brisbane’s science excellence in conservation biology research to a global audience.

The successful bid, supported by Australia’s scientific community was led by BCEC Advocate, and former Queensland chief scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham, in partnership with the BCEC team, together with Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

Hosting the congress is an opportunity to create real change through an interdisciplinary approach to solving Australia’s conservation biology issues

Over 1,500 researchers and practitioners will attend the congress, which will shine a light on the activity in key areas such as reef restoration on The Great Barrier Reef, special planning for renewable energy and First People’s knowledge for land and sea management.

It is anticipated that many delegates will also embark on pre- and post-touring, showcasing Queensland and Australia to the rest of the world.

The five-day event is set to deliver a A$4.3 million (US$2.9 million) boost to the Queensland economy and is expected to galvanise interest among Australia’s scientific community as well as from the Asia Pacific, including New Guinea and other Pacific Island neighbours.

Among the other key legacies being proposed is providing the opportunity for delegates to offset their carbon footprint by working with the Queensland Trust for Nature to set up a designated programme enabling delegates to donate directly to a fund for creating new habitats for koalas.

BCEC general manager, Kym Guesdon, added: “This high-profile international environmental congress will enhance the city’s credentials enroute to hosting the world’s first carbon neutral and biodiversity neutral Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

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