European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB)
European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB)
How can biodiversity be safeguarded effectively in the long term? This is the core question of the 8th European Congress for Conservation Biology (ECCB). The congress will be held in Leiden, from 6 until 10 July 2026.
Building bridges for effective biodiversity conservation
Effectively reversing the loss of biodiversity in the world’s terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems is one of the greatest challenges we face. However, effective biodiversity conservation requires not just the efforts of conservation professionals alone, but also relies on contributions, commitment and cooperation across many disciplines and sectors.
Across Europe, governments, NGOs, citizens and businesses are already working alongside ecologists and conservation professionals in response to the biodiversity crisis. In Leiden, they will have the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations. Not only will ECCB 2026 present exciting scientific research, but it will also showcase successful collaborations and build bridges between stakeholders and disciplines.
Key questions
ECCB 2026 aims to promote effective biodiversity conservation by addressing five key questions. ‘What do we mean by effective biodiversity conservation in Europe? Should the focus be on protecting species, ecosystems, landscapes, people’s wellbeing and social equity or something else?’ ‘What are our goals, and how far away are we from reaching them?’ ‘What are the most effective conservation strategies in terrestrial habitats, in freshwater and in the marine environment?’ ‘How can scientific advances and new techniques contribute to effective biodiversity conservation in Europe?’ And ‘how can the complementary skills and contrasting perspectives of the different academic, practitioner and stakeholder communities work together to enable effective biodiversity conservation?’
ECCB 2026 is organised by the Europe Region of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) in collaboration with a.o. Leiden University (this years' host) and the Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW).
For more information about the call and updates on the program, visit the ECCB website.