Policy

ESA Policy Action Alert for Federal Research

Dear ESA Community, Recent U.S. administration executive orders (EOs) affecting research funding, data sets, the federal STEM workforce, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in federal agencies and scientific research funding programs have introduced uncertainty and concern for the ecological community. While the full implications remain unclear, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocating for our mission, programs. ESA’s Commitment…

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 From the Classroom to the Conference Floor, A Student’s Journey in Biodiversity Diplomacy

At COP16, Alexa Theodoropoulos balanced schoolwork with engaging in key biodiversity discussions. She witnessed the urgency of action and the crucial role of youth in shaping global commitments. While progress was made, she emphasizes that accountability is essential and that students have a responsibility to ensure these goals lead to real change.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 Open Source and LLMs, Reflections from the Back Row of COP16

Cristian Román shares unique insights from attending COP16 in Cali, Colombia, exploring the interplay of science, policy, and equity. Highlights include challenges with proprietary biodiversity tools, ethical concerns surrounding AI in policy compliance, and academia’s role in negotiations, raising critical questions about accessibility, collaboration, and power dynamics.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 How Does Science Participate in the Biodiversity Convention? The Case of Invasive Species at COP16

At COP16 in Cali, October 2024, Alejandra Osejo-Varona, PhD Candidate in Anthropology at Rice University, shares insights on how scientists and decision-makers collaborated to address invasive alien species (IAS). The conference presented scientific tools and assessments, such as the IPBES report and IUCN toolkit, to guide the implementation of Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 1 From the talk to the World, Women Scientists Discuss Citizen Science

Women scientists and community leaders are reshaping conservation through citizen science, integrating Indigenous knowledge, and advocating for policy change. At COP16-Columbia, Cindy Julianty and Tanya Majdumar showcased how grassroots initiatives led by women empower local communities, preserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable conservation efforts. Their stories highlight resilience, innovation, and a call for global action.

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COP16 Dispatch: Week 1 Biodiversity Credit Market Combined Session Report

At COP16 in October 2024, Claire Bandet, a master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania, shared insights on biodiversity credit markets. The discussions ranged from defining the term to exploring its risks and potential, with two panels offering opposing views: one advocating for an effective market and the other arguing against it.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 1 From Policy to Practice: the Role of Field Station Networks in Implementing Science-Based, Inclusive Conservation

Claire Bandet shares insights on the impact of biological field stations in tropical Africa and South America, emphasizing their role in conservation, research, and community development. Discussing how these stations enhance local capacity, foster global collaborations, and contribute to sustainable conservation efforts.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 1 Wild Animals, Unsung Heroes of Carbon Storage, Ecosystem Services, and Nature Restoration.

Claire Bandet from UPenn recaps a panel on “animating the carbon cycle” through wildlife conservation. Speakers emphasized the climate impacts of species like wolves and guanacos and urged integrating wildlife into climate policies for enhanced biodiversity and carbon storage

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 Analysis of a Truly Nature-Positive Economic Growth

David Baldwin shares insights from a COP16 side event, hosted by the University of Cambridge, that discussed shifting toward a nature-positive economy, prioritizing ecological and social well-being over traditional GDP. Panelists argued for a transformation, not just a transition, integrating Genuine Progress Indicators and indigenous knowledge to reshape economic systems for biodiversity and sustainability.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 Students’ Reflections on COP16 and Biodiversity Policy

Ph.D. candidate Zohra Zahir reflects on moderating the panel “Biodiversity Beyond the Classroom: Students’ Perspectives from COP16” in Colombia. Joined by fellow emerging scientists, she shares insights on bridging the gap between academia and policy, advocating for student voices, and making science accessible and actionable to influence global biodiversity policy.

COP16 Dispatch: Week 2 Exploring the Hill of the Three Crosses

Zohra Zahir, David Baldwin, and Jeannine Cavender-Bares share an early-morning hike up Cali’s Hill of the Three Crosses, detailing the steep climb through lush vegetation and revealing rock formations. At the summit, they enjoy sweeping views, refreshing juices, and a profound connection to Colombia’s rich natural and historical landscape.