Workshop

What makes a network work? Keys for success in cross-border conservation networks

Organizer(s):

Tropical regions face urgent conservation challenges that demand strong networks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge-sharing between researchers, conservation practitioners, policymakers, and local communities. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of networks in conservation, many face obstacles such as fragmented communication, resource limitations, and power imbalances. We focus on cross-border networks as they attempt to cross international boundaries over a shared landscape, but often within different political, economic, and cultural systems.

This interactive workshop will bring together key initiatives from the University of Florida’s Tropical Conservation and Development Program (TCD), Fulbright, and the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN) to foster dialogue, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative pathways for effective cross-border conservation collaborations.

This session will go beyond traditional networking by aiming to identify key factors that make conservation networks successful, resilient, and action-driven. Through participatory exercises, we will explore real-world case studies, map collaboration pathways, and discuss strategies for enhancing inclusivity, knowledge-sharing, and long-term engagement and impact.

Objectives:

Discuss best practices, tools, and strategies for strengthening tropical conservation networks.
Facilitate collaboration opportunities between workshop participants and their networks.
Target audience: This workshop is designed for professionals and practitioners who participate in conservation networks in tropical regions and have experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.