Symposium
We invite you to join us at the symposiums in LACA 2024, where together we will explore inspiring perspectives, share invaluable experiences, and work towards innovative solutions for the future of conservation. Your participation will enrich our discussions and help us shape a sustainable path forward.
1. Challenges for a sustainable tourism path in the Galapagos National Park from diverse perspectives
Description: Galapagos is a unique ecosystem that is home to a vast array of endemic species. While tourism is a vital part of the local economy and supports several conservation initiatives, they can also have negative impacts on the environment if managed unsustainably. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of invasive species which is closely linked to the increasing number of tourists, the growing resident population, and the imported cargo necessary to sustain these. This has raised concerns about the impact of tourism on the islands' delicate ecosystems, and the long-term sustainability of a tourism-dependent economy within the islands. The aim of the Symposia is to approach from different stakeholders and perspectives the current trends of tourism in the islands and its implication in the management and conservation of the Galapagos National Park. We discuss the visitors’ perceptions and sentiment analysis (residents and tourists) at two beaches within the protected area, near the populated centers as well as the ongoing imaginaries and profiles of the tourists coming to Galapagos with the evaluation of the genuine ecotourism profile. To evaluate visitors and tourists’ perceptions, surveys were applied. We analyze the resident’s perception and attitudes in relation with tourism, especially the shared recreation spaces between tourists and residents, where some environmental conflicts may occur. A mixed methodology (surveys and semi-structured interviews) was used. Finally, we discuss the narratives and discourses (qualitative analysis) of the tourism model by the different stakeholders of Galapagos, regarding the limits of the tourism growth trend and its implication in the development of local communities and the conservation of this World Heritage site.
Name of organizer and Affiliation: Andrea Muñoz Barriga; María José Barragán- Charles Darwin Foundation/ Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
Language: English
Duration of the activity: 90 minutes
Number of participants: Open for all people interested in the topic.
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 9:30 to 11:00
Location: Auditorio 4 Torre 1
Registration: open at the following link
2. Women Who Change the World: Innovation and Leadership in Conservation
Description: The symposium "Women Who Change the World: Innovation and Leadership in Conservation" aims to highlight the essential role of women in protecting biodiversity and the environment. Throughout history, women have been leaders in conservation, contributing their knowledge and dedication. The event will explore various facets of female participation in conservation, from their contributions to science and research to their leadership in local communities and global movements. Specific challenges they face, such as gender discrimination, unequal access to resources, and lack of representation in decision-making, will be discussed. The symposium will include discussion panels, research presentations, interactive workshops, and testimonials, creating a space to share experiences, best practices, and innovative strategies to promote gender equality and female empowerment in conservation. Topics will include the role of Indigenous and rural women in sustainable resource management, the impact of climate change on women-led communities, and the importance of education and training to encourage female participation. Additionally, the work of leading women in conservation will be highlighted, providing them with a platform to share their stories, challenges, and lessons learned. Networking and collaboration among conservationists, academics, activists, and professionals from various locations will be encouraged. The symposium aims to promote positive change towards greater inclusion, equity, and diversity in the conservation movement, recognizing the valuable contributions of women and promoting their leadership to build a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
Name of organizer and Affiliation: María del Carmen Vizcaíno Barba- Alianza Jambato
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 2 hours
Number of participants: 50
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2024
Time: :11:30 to 13:30
Location: Aula Magna Teología
Registration: open at the following link
3. Ecology, Automatic Detection, and Artificial Intelligence for Conservation
Descripticon: This symposium brings together experiences in the application of automatic detection technologies (camera traps, recorders, infrared image processing, etc.) and large-scale data processing (big data) using artificial intelligence to measure conservation outcomes. These include high-priority ecosystems for conservation, such as the Chocó forests, the piedmont forests of El Oro, and the Galápagos Islands. The studies presented explore questions related to resilience, restoration, threat management, eradication of invasive species, and methodological proposals for analysis. The aim is to exchange learnings and promote the development of pragmatic methods to measure conservation outcomes that guide decision-making.
Name of organizer and Affiliation: David Parra Puente, Pablo Sánchez - Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 110 minutes
Number of participants: 80
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 11:30 to 13:00
Location: Aula Magna Teología
Registration: open at the following link
4. Weaving the path to conservation alongside the zoos
Descripticon: The zoos of before were the classic “menageries” or beast houses of the upper class, where “ferocious animals” brought from distant, newly conquered lands were exhibited. They were a way for the wealthy to further display their power by demonstrating to the masses how they tamed even the most dangerous wild animals. This practice commonly attributed to 17th century Modern Europe was also common in other civilizations, such as Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire and the Chou Dynasty of 3,000 years ago. Today, these zoological collections have evolved from being simple and cruel displays of power to being one of the most effective tools in the conservation of endangered species and one of the best ways to provide formal and informal educational opportunities to the general public. Zoos and aquariums in the 21st century globally house countless species and have rescued many of them from extinction, and not all of them are large and charismatic. The Akron Zoo in Ohio, USA is a vivid example of this. We are home to two species considered extinct in the wild, one a cichlid from Lake Victoria and the other a small land snail from Tahiti and other French Polynesian islands. In this symposium we will look at how zoos help conserve species inside and outside our institutions and how you can be a part of this.”
Name of organizer and Affiliation: Carlos C. Martínez Rivera- Akron Zoo
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 75 minutes
Number of participants: 70
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 09:30 to 11:00
Location: Auditorio 4 Torre 1
Registration: open at the following link
5. Challenges, lessons learned, and next steps for Ecuador to achieve Target 3 (30 x 30) of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Descripticon: Conservation International (CI) Ecuador will organize a discussion symposium focused on the challenges, lessons learned, and next steps for Ecuador to advance towards achieving Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect 30% of the planet's ecosystems by 2030. The event will feature biodiversity experts and representatives of local communities who will address the implementation of this ambitious goal in the Ecuadorian context from diverse perspectives. Luis Suárez, Vice President of Conservation International Ecuador, will speak on the Global Framework and Target 3, highlighting its importance for biodiversity conservation in the country. Angel Onofa, from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition, will share the progress and actions Ecuador has already taken in this regard. Tuntiak Katan, President of the Amazonian Vision Foundation, will provide the perspective of Indigenous Peoples, while Pablo de la Torre, Advisor to the Confederation of Afro Communities of Northern Ecuador, will discuss the viewpoint of Afro-descendant communities. The agenda also includes a second round of interventions, in which each panelist will discuss specific challenges, lessons learned, and future steps needed to achieve this target.
Name of organizer and Affiliation: Roberto Ulloa-CI Ecuador
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 60 minutes
Number of participants: 70
Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 15:00 to 16:00
Location: Aula Magna Teología
Registration: open at the following link
6. Landscape-scale conservation
Descripticon: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Ecuador proposes a Symposium on Landscape-Scale Conservation in Ecuador to share experiences and knowledge on this integrated approach. Landscape-scale conservation involves wildlife-based strategies to protect large ecosystems that coexist with human-influenced areas, integrating ecological, human, and wildlife perspectives. This approach recognizes the interdependence between ecosystems, wildlife, and human communities, highlighting the need for collaborative work. The symposium will feature experts in various areas. Galo Zapata-Ríos, WCS Scientific Director, will deliver a keynote presentation on landscape-scale conservation. Diana Paredes will discuss the SMART tool and its implementation in Ecuador, drawing on a decade of experience. Camila Ribadeneira will present on public-private partnerships to prevent wildlife trafficking, while Sebastián Valdivieso will cover biodiversity criteria in economic development projects. Juan Betancourt will address comprehensive work with communities, including indigenous territorial management and bioenterprises
Name of organizer and Affiliation: Galo Zapata-Ríos, Scientific Director; Mayra Romero, Communications Coordinator WSC-Ecuador
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 90 minutes
Number of participants: 70
Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2024
Time: 9:30 to 11:00
Location: Aula Magna Teología
Registration: open at the following link
7. Local Climate Action: Opportunities and Challenges of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
Descripticon: WWF Ecuador is organizing the panel "Local Climate Action: Opportunities and Challenges of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)." This event will explore the applicability and relevance of NBS in addressing the climate crisis, with a focus on tangible, local solutions. Prominent experts, including María del Pilar Cornejo (CIP-RRD), Karen Podvin (IUCN), Mario Rodas and Nury Bermúdez (UNDP), and Andreas Gruner (GIZ), will discuss the characteristics, relevance, applicability, and potential of NBS to address the climate crisis on a local scale.
Name of organizer and Affiliation: Cristina Garcia y Diana Calero WWF-Ecuador
Language: Spanish
Duration of the activity: 90 minutes
Number of participants: Open for all people interested in the topic.
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 9:30 to 11:00
Location: Comin soon
Registration: Aula Magna Teología