Session Description & Registration Instructions
Click on each of the workshops/short courses shown below for a brief description on the content, organizers, and dates associated with each session. To register for a workshop/short course, please navigate to the buttons on the right or bottom of the page – you will be prompted to add your selection to your conference registration form. Please note that some workshops/short courses will incur a small fee for registration, and will have to complete the checkout process in order to reserve your spot.
**If you already registered for the conference, you will have to return to your registration form, add your desired option(s), and pay the additional cost for your session(s).**
The deadline to register for a workshop/short course has been extended to June 21, 2024.
FAQ: How many workshops and short courses can I sign up for?
As many as you like! However, keep in mind that some workshops & short courses will overlap with one another, and we encourage attendees to sign up for only their top choice to allow others to attend as well.
WS1
Workshop Title: Responding to ecological change and transformation – surprising failures and promising approaches.
Organizers:
Elizabeth Nelson, Parks Canada
Gregor Schuurman, National Park Service
Amanda Cravens, U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Wylie Carr, National Park Service
Scott Covington, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Alexander MacDonald, Parks Canada
Duration: 4 hours
Date: Monday, June 24, 2024 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Abstract:
Driven by climate change, landscapes across the world are changing in substantial ways, including undergoing ecological transformation. This degree of change destabilizes a core assumption of natural resource management: that change in ecological systems fluctuates within predictable bounds (Milly et al. 2008) and that stewards can maintain ecosystems within those familiar bounds by managing for resilience (Schuurman et al. 2022). As natural systems change beyond their expected bounds, previously successful management strategies become less effective, or wholly ineffective (Williams et al. 2021). This workshop brings together a diversity of perspectives from protected area practitioners to explore common challenges in stewarding transforming ecosystems and to identify opportunities for learning and collaboration.
Driven by climate change, landscapes across the world are changing in substantial ways, including undergoing ecological transformation. This degree of change destabilizes a core assumption of natural resource management: that change in ecological systems fluctuates within predictable bounds (Milly et al. 2008) and that stewards can maintain ecosystems within those familiar bounds by managing for resilience (Schuurman et al. 2022). As natural systems change beyond their expected bounds, previously successful management strategies become less effective, or wholly ineffective (Williams et al. 2021). This workshop brings together a diversity of perspectives from protected area practitioners to explore common challenges in stewarding transforming ecosystems and to identify opportunities for learning and collaboration.
This workshop will focus on the following topics related to ecological change/transformation and how protected area practitioners are responding:
- What management challenges are we encountering? Which traditional management strategies have become less successful?
- What data, tools, resources, and approaches are we using?
- How are we monitoring and evaluating effectiveness and outcomes?
- What are the social, cultural, political, economic, and ethical considerations that we are confronting?
- What gaps in knowledge and tools remain, and what can we co-develop?
The workshop format involves a series of presentations followed by structured discussion in small groups. Discussion will build toward the following final outputs that could continue to grow throughout the conference itself: 1) a list of challenges; 2) a list of potential tools and resources to meet those challenges; and 3) a list of opportunities to collaborate. Participants will be encouraged to propose and “sign on” for collaborative projects they are interested in, and to share the online platform with others who may be interested. A follow-up interactive session during the conference will continue to build momentum on this topic and to expand the group of participants to include additional perspectives.
Max Number of Attendees: 40
Cost: Free
WS3
Workshop Title: Interactive, reproducible, and accessible species distribution modeling for conservation with Wallace
Organizers:
Mary Blair, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History
Gonzalo Pinilla-Buitrago, Department of Biology, City College of the City University of New York
Daniel Lopez-Lozano, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History
Andrea Paz, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal
Duration: 3 hours
Date: Monday, June 24, 2024 (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Abstract:
Species distribution modeling (SDM) enables conservation scientists to make range estimates for species of concern, as well as predictions of potential range in unsampled areas and for different time periods. Although advances in model building and evaluation are widespread in the ecology and evolution literature, most cutting-edge modeling methods are inaccessible to those who cannot read and write computer code, resulting in a ‘barrier to use’ for many potential users. The Wallace ecological modeling application, implemented in the R programming language as the CRAN package “wallace,” provides a graphical user interface that allows any user to implement advanced SDM methods. Each Wallace module provides extensive guidance text and references key papers from the literature to help both new and experienced users learn best practices. Each model-building session can be exported as a fully documented R Markdown script file, thereby enabling reproducibility, ease of reporting, and – for more advanced users – access to an easily-modifiable code script that extends Wallace’s functionality. In this workshop, we will review the basics of SDM using Wallace, demonstrate the key features of the modular software, and show applications to conservation science including the utility of SDM outputs for IUCN assessments. Participants will use their own laptops to run Wallace for a hands-on learning experience, and will emerge more confident SDM users. Those with prior experience are encouraged to bring their own datasets for analysis.
Max Number of Attendees: 25
Cost: $8 USD
WS4
Workshop Title: Reflexive and Anticolonial Sciences: Why and How?
All Organizers:
Rapichan Phurisamban, Institute for Resource, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), University of British Columbia (UBC)
Harold Eyster, University of Vermont
Duration: 2.5 hours
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
Abstract:
Solving wicked problems such as biodiversity loss requires collective efforts, but exclusionary modes of scientific practice narrow our solutions space and entrench social injustices within our scholarly institutions and beyond. For example, how does scientific understanding of a “healthy” ecosystem or landscape recognize or dismiss other ways of knowing? Who gets to decide what a healthy ecosystem looks like? What do we have to unlearn and learn in order to build good relations with those we work with and communities our work affects?
This workshop brings together conceptual and practical guides to support scientists and students alike in incorporating reflexivity and anticolonial approaches into their work. Reflexivity turns the researcher lens back onto oneself in a continual process to critically reflect, self-evaluate, and take responsibility for the researcher’s complex roles in relation to the study. Anticolonial approaches challenge researchers to consider entrenched colonial thought and practices in research, and to take steps to undo them. Together, these approaches call for ongoing unlearning and learning, for recognizing researcher’s obligations to enact good relations, and for an eye toward social justice in scientific thinking and practice.
Through interactive discussions and activities, participants will learn to recognize scientific knowledge as situated and relational, identify and characterize epistemic oppression, differentiate between bias and values in science, and practice writing a positionality statement. We hope this workshop can encourage a fundamental shift toward genuine inclusivity and anti-oppression in the sciences, and foster more just and effective solutions to today’s eco-social crises. While this workshop is geared toward researchers, practitioners and others working in biodiversity conservation and restoration are also welcome.
Max Number of Attendees: 20
Cost: Free
WS5
Workshop Title: Mapping to ensure conservation efforts are planned in an equitable way: testing a guiding framework
Organizers:
Lindsay Rosa, Defenders of Wildlife
Brooke Bateman, National Audubon Society
Travis Belote, The Wilderness Society
Mindy Rice, U.S. Fish and wildlife service
Julia Michalak, University of Washington
Duration: 4 hours
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Abstract:
Conservationists and decision makers looking at where and how to address the inseparable crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and inequitable nature access are turning to maps. With improved technologies, the availability of geospatial data and spatial prioritization methods has increased, leading to more maps identifying important locations for conservation actions. Growing numbers of maps can create the perception of competing maps and uncertainty. The recent initiative to conserve at least 30% of lands and waters both globally and nationally (30×30 and part of America the Beautiful) exemplifies this challenge: different organizations developing different maps representing different values and pointing to different places for conservation leave decision makers asking “which map do I use?”. Despite perceptions, a shared set of conservation science principles serve as the underlying foundation of many of these mapping initiatives. However, there is little clear guidance for what those principles are and how practitioners can use them for conservation planning in a way that appropriately integrates equity data/principles. This workshop will be part of a larger effort toward broadening a community of practice at the intersection of conservation and equity/EJ. Workshop participants will examine and share a variety of examples of conservation planning initiatives that have/will employ map data and the challenges to application. A significant portion of the workshop will involve small-group exercises in which participants test a draft framework to identify their own conservation mapping and data needs based on their defined problem/question. The group feedback and findings will contribute to the development of guiding resources to help communities explore their conservation needs in an equitable way through scientifically supported principles.
Max Number of Attendees: 30
Cost: Free
WS6
Workshop Title: How to Publish Interdisciplinary Conservation Research: Engaging with Both People and Nature
Organizers:
Kai Chan, University of British Columbia
Reem Hajjar, Oregon State University
Duration: 1.25 hours
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
Abstract:
You are excited about the idea of publishing an interdisciplinary paper, but you’ve got questions. You’ve heard that it’s harder than disciplinary publishing, and that the process is full of obstacles. You may have heard that interdisciplinary papers—those that draw together methods, theories, and concepts from two or more disciplinary or interdisciplinary traditions—face “double jeopardy” in criticism from all relevant perspectives. But you’ve seen great interdisciplinary papers and journals emerging, and you wonder how it’s done.
You are excited about the idea of publishing an interdisciplinary paper, but you’ve got questions. You’ve heard that it’s harder than disciplinary publishing, and that the process is full of obstacles. You may have heard that interdisciplinary papers—those that draw together methods, theories, and concepts from two or more disciplinary or interdisciplinary traditions—face “double jeopardy” in criticism from all relevant perspectives. But you’ve seen great interdisciplinary papers and journals emerging, and you wonder how it’s done.
In this workshop, we will “prop open the hood” of interdisciplinary publishing, helping guide prospective authors through choosing a journal, preparing a manuscript, and navigating peer review and editorial processes. Our panel will feature senior and experienced editors from several interdisciplinary conservation and ecology journals, who will provide an overview of how to publish interdisciplinary papers in general and at specific journals. We will cater to students and other researchers and professionals who are extending beyond their core training and their supervisors’ expertise in an effort to contribute to a seamless understanding of conservation problems across disciplinary boundaries. Participants are invited to bring their dilemmas and their paper ideas to ask questions and get feedback.
Max Number of Attendees: 120
Cost: Free
WS7
Workshop Title: Building Emotional Resilience Among Conservation Students – Making space for the affective domain
Organizers:
Jessica Pratt, University of California, Irvine
Martha Groom, University of Washington
Ana Porzecanski, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History
Erin Betley, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History
Duration: 3 hours
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Abstract:
In the face of linked and urgent planetary crises, engaging with the content from our discipline is as much an emotional experience as an intellectual one. For many educators and learners these crises cause feelings of anxiety and grief, across generations and particularly in youth. This psychological impact is often referred to as “ecological grief” or “climate-anxiety” and particularly in students may be coupled with a general sense of loss or dread about their future and frustration with the pace at which society is currently addressing these crises.
There is a growing community of educators who are questioning their role in addressing the affective dimensions (e.g. emotions, moods, attitudes) in learning. Additionally, the American Psychological Association has long stressed the need to build personal attributes and social support among students that will help them prepare for and recover from climate change-related mental health trauma. We see similar needs related to biodiversity loss. We should create the spaces to revise our curricula, syllabi, and teaching approaches and priorities accordingly. Shifting our learning objectives to encompass, and center, the affective dimensions of conservation learning and practice will be essential to build and maintain psychological resilience in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, and develop agency. The implications for conservation classrooms could be profound.
This workshop aims to convene educators interested in brainstorming and exploring avenues for embarking on this transformation in our conservation teaching. We also welcome students into this discussion to inform these conversations relevant to their own education.
During this workshop we will:
- Review experiences from other disciplines that have centered the affective domain.
- Review alternative tools for course redesign.
- Work in groups to pilot different approaches for centering affective learning in our conservation courses.
- Share and discuss results, and reflect on possible next steps.
Max Number of Attendees: 36
Cost: Free
WS8
Workshop Title: Integrating landscape change into ecological forecasting workflows using SyncroSim
Organizers:
Leonardo Frid, ApexRMS, Systems Ecologist
Duration: 1.25 hours
Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024 (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
Abstract:
Changes in land cover and vegetation are key drivers of ecological responses, yet are often neglected or greatly simplified in most ecological forecasting analyses due to various challenges, including: (1) the complexity associated with connecting models of landscape change with other ecological forecasting models, (2) the difficulty managing the large volume of data going into and out of such linked spatial models, and (3) the need to track uncertainty and variability across multiple future landscape change scenarios. In this workshop we introduce SyncroSim (https://syncrosim.com), a free software platform that streamlines the development of modeling workflows associated with multiple linked stochastic, spatio-temporal simulation models. Developed through the support of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, SyncroSim allows modelers to create reusable forecasting workflows by chaining together any number of predictive models and datasets. Models can include both existing “off-the-shelf” programs and scripts written in languages such as R, Python and C#. In the workshop we also demonstrate how SyncroSim can be used to create an end-to-end reusable multi-model workflow that includes downloading data, pre-processing model inputs, running multiple models in succession, and post-processing results. Workshop examples will be provided linking the ST-Sim model (https://docs.stim.net) of landscape change with multiple other ecological forecasting models, including models forecasting changes in habitat (R script), habitat connectivity (using Circuitscape/Omniscape), and ecosystem carbon (using LUCAS/CBM-CFS3). No programming experience is required or assumed for the workshop: all examples will be presented using the SyncroSim Windows and web interfaces.
Changes in land cover and vegetation are key drivers of ecological responses, yet are often neglected or greatly simplified in most ecological forecasting analyses due to various challenges, including: (1) the complexity associated with connecting models of landscape change with other ecological forecasting models, (2) the difficulty managing the large volume of data going into and out of such linked spatial models, and (3) the need to track uncertainty and variability across multiple future landscape change scenarios. In this workshop we introduce SyncroSim (https://syncrosim.com), a free software platform that streamlines the development of modeling workflows associated with multiple linked stochastic, spatio-temporal simulation models. Developed through the support of multiple agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, SyncroSim allows modelers to create reusable forecasting workflows by chaining together any number of predictive models and datasets. Models can include both existing “off-the-shelf” programs and scripts written in languages such as R, Python and C#. In the workshop we also demonstrate how SyncroSim can be used to create an end-to-end reusable multi-model workflow that includes downloading data, pre-processing model inputs, running multiple models in succession, and post-processing results. Workshop examples will be provided linking the ST-Sim model (https://docs.stim.net) of landscape change with multiple other ecological forecasting models, including models forecasting changes in habitat (R script), habitat connectivity (using Circuitscape/Omniscape), and ecosystem carbon (using LUCAS/CBM-CFS3). No programming experience is required or assumed for the workshop: all examples will be presented using the SyncroSim Windows and web interfaces.
Max Number of Attendees: 30
Cost: Free
WS9
Workshop Title: Building the Internet of Conservation
Organizers:
Patrick Huber, University of California Davis
Allan Hollander, University of California Davis
Matthew Lange, IC-FOODS
Philip Murphy, InfoHarvest
Duration: 4 hours
Date: Monday, June 24, 2024 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Abstract:
The Internet of Conservation (IoC) is a global network of stakeholders, data, models, tools, computer hardware (including sensors), software, AI components, and semantically-enabled cyber infrastructure necessary for the interoperability of the other components. While at the early stages of development, some pieces are currently operational. The first portion of this workshop will introduce participants to some of the pieces of the IoC, with a particular focus on ontologies and knowledge graphs, the semantic backbone of the IoC. The organizers will present work they have undertaken to map the characteristics of and interactions between people, projects, organizations, datasets, sustainability issues, and landscape infrastructure (the “PPOD+” Ontology). The second half of the workshop will be a working session with the participants to create a conceptual map of conservation policy and how it interfaces with the PPOD+ components. Included in this portion is instruction in how ontologies are structured and used in the development of domain-specific knowledge graphs. In the near term after the NACCB 2024 conference, workshop organizers and interested participants will develop a formal ontology based on the conceptual map that can plug into and enhance PPOD+. This augmented set of linked ontologies will be open source and freely available to participants and other interested parties.
Max Number of Attendees: 50
Cost: Free
WS10
Workshop Title: Raising the Bar for Ecosystem-based Offsets and Credits
Organizers:
Lauren Moody, University of British Columbia
Kai Chan, University of British Columbia
Duration: 1.25 hours
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024 (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM)
Abstract:
Within the realm of conservation, ecosystem-based offsets and credits have long been polarizing and a subject of significant attention. The emerging illegitimacy of many ecosystem-based carbon offset programs has shed doubt on the potential for effective biodiversity offsets, which have been called for as a novel conservation finance tool in the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. It is likely that biodiversity offsetting will become normalized as a key conservation mechanism in the coming decade, but there is a danger that biodiversity offsets may be used to obscure impacts on nature and inadvertently harm Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Ensuring a legitimate system of biodiversity offsetting will be crucial, but existing jargon and legalese make it challenging to distinguish legitimate efforts from meaningless or harmful ones.
This workshop aims to bring together diverse perspectives from across the conservation discipline to discuss challenges and key tenets for offsetting. We will explore the potential of coming to an agreement about a common set of principles for socially and ecologically legitimate ecosystem-based offsets (including both carbon offsets on land or in the water and biodiversity offsets). Our workshop will feature a diverse panel of speakers with unique expertise, representing offsetting companies, policy think tanks, local communities, research, and academia. The structure of the workshop will be a moderated panel discussion followed by a question and answer period and breakout sessions. These discussions will facilitate the exploration of potential core principles for attendees to discuss, and potentially lead to a statement of principles for endorsement.
This workshop seeks to empower participants to collectively address the challenges and opportunities for conservation that ecosystem-based offsets present. We hope you can join us for this ripe discussion and exciting learning opportunity, and help us raise the bar for ecosystem-based offsets.
Max Number of Attendees: 80
Cost: Free
WS11
Workshop Title: Accelerating Evidenced-based Decision Making in Conservation: From Theory to Reality
Organizers:
Nicole Gross-Camp, Global Conservation Solutions
Josh Noseworhty, Global Conservation Solutions
Duration: 2 hours
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM)
Abstract:
We will provide a 2-hour session on the use of adaptive management as a means of defining and achieving evidenced-based conservation outcomes through an iterative, collaborative, and equitable process. The Conservation Standards is a widely adopted set of principles and practices that brings together common concepts, approaches, and terminology for applying adaptive planning and management to conservation initiatives. In addition to an overview of the Conservation Standards framework, participants will be shown how to develop of a Situation Analysis and Theory of Change using a real-life case study.
We will provide a 2-hour session on the use of adaptive management as a means of defining and achieving evidenced-based conservation outcomes through an iterative, collaborative, and equitable process. The Conservation Standards is a widely adopted set of principles and practices that brings together common concepts, approaches, and terminology for applying adaptive planning and management to conservation initiatives. In addition to an overview of the Conservation Standards framework, participants will be shown how to develop of a Situation Analysis and Theory of Change using a real-life case study.
A Situation Analysis entails developing a shared understanding of the drivers and root causes of the pressures that are negatively affecting biodiversity of conservation concern, as well as the potential solutions to mitigate, reduce, or eliminate those pressures. Once these potential actions have been identified and assessed for their effectiveness, a Theory of Change is developed, outlining the assumptions and uncertainties inherent to each action. Both steps are highly visual and will enable participants to become fluent in adaptive management language.
This workshop is designed for people interested in learning more about the practical application of evidenced-based decision making to support and accelerate the practice of conservation globally. By applying adaptive management to develop robust conservation plans, internal monitoring and operational mechanisms will become more efficient and effective, ultimately saving time, money, and effort in achieving meaningful outcomes for nature and people. Participants can expect to complete the workshop with:
- A broad understanding of Adaptive Management principles and a planning framework that can be used to apply these principles.
- Examples of how adaptive management can apply to their work.
- Clarity on why embracing evidenced-based decision making is critical if we are to address the biodiversity and climate crises.
Max Number of Attendees: 50
Cost: Free
*NEW* - Special Workshop Session
Workshop Title: Bystander Intervention Training by the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria
Organizers:
Duration: 3 hours (per day)
Date: Sunday, June 23 & Monday, June 24, 2024 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Description:
Are you eager to make a more meaningful impact in the fight against racism? Join us for ICA’s two-part Bystander Training! You’ll learn practical skills to address racism various situations like responding in public spaces, at work, at the family dinner table and more.
Why ICA’s Bystander Program?
Since its launch in 2021, ICA’s Bystander Program has trained 3000 individuals across Canada and the US and has done great work in transforming organizations and communities. Our comprehensive program equips participants with invaluable skills to recognize and respond to racist incidents, drawing from the rich history and practices of Bystander Intervention. It empowers individuals with a robust toolkit encompassing strategies to interrupt racism across diverse contexts and spaces. Moreover, participants are equipped to facilitate difficult conversations about race constructively.
Our Philosophy
During this training, you’ll delve into the history of bystander intervention and learn effective strategies for stepping in when you encounter racism. ICA’s Bystander Training is not just about theory; it provides hands-on experience in active listening and de-escalation techniques, empowering you with the skills and confidence to stand up for communities of color facing racism.
Max Number of Attendees: 45
Cost: Free
SC1
Short Course Title: Learn to Assess your Conservation Effectiveness: An Introduction to the Conservation Standards
Organizers:
Kari Stiles, Foundations of Success
Adrienne Marvin, Foundations of Success
Jaclyn Lucas, Conservation Measures Partnership / Foundations of Success (FOS)
Duration: 8 hours
Date: Monday; June 24, 2024 (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Abstract:
This training will introduce participants to accessible and practical tools to support them in project planning, management, monitoring, decision making, and adaptation. We will use the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (Conservation Standards) – a widely adopted set of practices and principles – to guide participants through an adaptive management framework. The training will use a practical example and focus on two key Conservation Standards tools: situation models (which lay out the current context of a project) and theories of change (which map assumptions about how priority strategies are expected to lead to conservation success). Through this training, participants will gain an understanding of how to support teams to develop a shared understanding of their conservation context, identify potential strategies, and clarify indicators to measure strategy effectiveness and conservation impact. This is a hands-on, interactive training hosted by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) that aims to connect participants to the wider conservation planning and adaptive management community and share a library of tools to support real-world conservation work.
This training will introduce participants to accessible and practical tools to support them in project planning, management, monitoring, decision making, and adaptation. We will use the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (Conservation Standards) – a widely adopted set of practices and principles – to guide participants through an adaptive management framework. The training will use a practical example and focus on two key Conservation Standards tools: situation models (which lay out the current context of a project) and theories of change (which map assumptions about how priority strategies are expected to lead to conservation success). Through this training, participants will gain an understanding of how to support teams to develop a shared understanding of their conservation context, identify potential strategies, and clarify indicators to measure strategy effectiveness and conservation impact. This is a hands-on, interactive training hosted by the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) that aims to connect participants to the wider conservation planning and adaptive management community and share a library of tools to support real-world conservation work.
Maximum Number of Attendees: 50
Cost: $75 USD
SC2 - CANCELLED
CANCELLED
Short Course Title: Linkage Mapper Connectivity Mapping Toolbox: Tutorial of the Basics as well as the Advanced Tools and Techniques
Organizers:
John Gallo, Conservation Biology Institute
Duration: 6 hours
Date: Monday; June 24, 2024 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Abstract:
Habitat connectivity is a cornerstone of conservation, and in the past 20 years, modeling techniques have blossomed. Many of these techniques work to first map the important places on the landscape that need to be connected (cores), then map the swaths of land that connect them (linkages). Many tools quantify the value of each path within a linkage (e.g. Linkage Mapper’s Linkage Pathways Tool), and the portions of a linkage that get dangerously narrow (e.g. Linkage Mapper’s Pinchpoint Mapper). The recently released Linkage Mapper v3.1 does all this and more, including quantifying connectivity restoration opportunities, and modeling the relative priority of all the linkages of a given landscape. The included Linkage Priority Tool is based on weighted combinations among many factors, including a formalized process for including expert opinion. Analysts can also include climate-wise decision-making, giving higher priority to linkages that span a climate gradient, facilitating species range shifts over decades and centuries, or climate analogs, or a balanced blend. Analysts have the option of giving higher value to cores with higher amount of climate refugia, or giving added priority to linkages that link to a preferred micro-climate.
This workshop briefly introduces you to the broad array of resistance-based connectivity modeling tools available, then does a “deep dive” into Linkage Mapper. As part of this, we teach you how to use the Linkage Priority Tool, understand important nuances for application, and how to combine with all the other other Linkage Mapper outputs (some of which call Circuitscape, a complementary tool). We also provide much time for hands on use and help, so bring your laptop if you can. At this time, Linkage Mapper requires an ArcGIS 10.3 or higher, or ArcPRO license; and the spatial analyst extension.
Maximum Number of Attendees: 30
Cost: $8 USD
SC3
Short Course Title: An Introduction to Decision Science for Conservation
Organizers:
Victoria Hemming, University of British Columbia
Abbey Camaclang, University of British Columbia
Ayesha Tulloch, Queensland University of Technology
Tara Martin, University of British Columbia
Duration: 5.5 hours
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024 (8:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
Abstract:
Addressing conservation problems requires decisions about when, where and how to respond to threats affecting species, ecosystems, and the services they provide. These decisions are difficult. They typically need to be made with imperfect data, large uncertainties, and resource constraints. Finding effective solutions often hinges on the involvement and collaboration of diverse decision-makers, title and rights holders, stakeholders, and /or experts; and the inclusion of multiple (often conflicting) social, cultural, environmental, and economic values.
Addressing conservation problems requires decisions about when, where and how to respond to threats affecting species, ecosystems, and the services they provide. These decisions are difficult. They typically need to be made with imperfect data, large uncertainties, and resource constraints. Finding effective solutions often hinges on the involvement and collaboration of diverse decision-makers, title and rights holders, stakeholders, and /or experts; and the inclusion of multiple (often conflicting) social, cultural, environmental, and economic values.
Decision science structures thinking so that decisions are informed, transparent, and defensible, and that the alternatives identified improve the chance of achieving desired outcomes. Decision science embodies a theory (decision theory) that focuses on how to proceed when confronting a decision involving differing values, competing objectives, and uncertainty. Decision science is applied through an array of practical frameworks and tools.
The aim of this introductory short course is to provide an introduction to, and training in, the application of decision science to help navigate conservation decisions. Participants will learn what decision science is, how it can be applied to different conservation problems, and gain hands-on experience formulating conservation problems as decisions, and exploring solutions using decision analysis (also known as structured decision-making, or by the PrOACT acronym: define the problem, elicit objectives, create alternative actions to meet objectives, predict consequences of the alternatives, and explore trade-offs). Participants will learn about multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), as well as developing portfolios representing different spatial land use priorities using a simple linear programming tool (PrioritizR) that has had global uptake. Participants will leave with an understanding of decision science, and how they might begin to break down their conservation problems into decisions. This knowledge will also help them to identify other useful decision support tools and frameworks that they may want to learn and apply.
Maximum Number of Attendees: 30
Cost: $20 USD
Independent SciComm Workshop, organized by COMPASS!
COMPASS is excited to announce a workshop in conjunction with the 2024 North American Congress for Conservation Biology. Designed for scientists and technical experts working in the conservation biology and ecology spaces, this workshop will help participants share their work and insights in clear, relevant terms. Grounded in the latest research on science communication, COMPASS workshops are designed to help participants find the relevance of their science for the audiences they most want to reach—journalists, policymakers, the public, and even other scientists. In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to engage with top-notch science media experts (journalists, filmmakers, etc.) who will share insights on how scientists can become excellent communicators and provide 1:1 feedback on participants’ communication messages.
We encourage technical experts and researchers working on, or whose work has relevance to conservation across diverse disciplines including, but not limited to, the fields of life sciences, social science, cross-boundary collaboration and co-management to apply. COMPASS has limited travel funding available—please see this Google Form for registration details and more information! Please contact Alex Griffith (alex.griffith@compassscicomm.
NACCB 2024
Vancouver, Canada
June 23-28, 2024
Questions? Email conferences@scbnorthamerica.org
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