10/10/2025
11:00 - 12:30
Central Stage 1
, Hybrid (onsite with livestreaming)
Session with interpretation
Why attend
How can we accelerate conservation in arid and hyper-arid regions facing extreme climate stress? Join us for an engaging discussion on innovative approaches – integrating cutting-edge science, local knowledge, and new governance models – to drive large-scale, climate-resilient conservation action, including protected area expansion and ecological connectivity beyond traditional boundaries.
Session Description
With the accelerating impacts of climate change, conservation in arid and hyper-arid regions demands a paradigm shift. This session will explore how to scale up biodiversity conservation beyond traditional boundaries – expanding protected areas, strengthening ecological connectivity, and integrating restoration efforts – to create resilient ecological networks. We will examine innovative strategies such as rewilding, nature-based solutions, and cross-sectoral partnerships that integrate biodiversity into national and global resilience strategies. Participants will hear from leading experts and practitioners working at the forefront of conservation in these fragile ecosystems. Through an interactive discussion, we will uncover how to merge science with traditional knowledge, leverage new governance models, and mobilise financial mechanisms that ensure sustainable impact within and beyond protected area networks.