TCD organized workshop “What makes a network work?” at 2025 ATBC meeting in Oaxaca, Mexico

The workshop, “What Makes a Network Work? Keys for Success in Cross-Border Conservation Networks,” is part of the scientific and collaborative program of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC), which will take place in Oaxaca, Mexico, from June 30 to July 5, 2025. This year’s meeting centers on the theme “Tropical Biology and Conservation in a Rapidly Changing World: Bridging Research, Practice, and Policy Across Borders.”

Oaxaca—a region rich in biological and cultural diversity—offers a compelling backdrop for examining how conservation networks can function across boundaries. In keeping with the conference theme, this interactive workshop will bring together key initiatives from the University of Florida’s Tropical Conservation and Development (TCD) Program, Fulbright, and the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN). Our goal is 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.

Our session will take place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 3:40 PM to 5:40 PM, and is open to all registered participants of ATBC 2025. We invite anyone working or interested in tropical conservation, collaboration across borders, and network-building to join us in this interactive exchange