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Symposium highlights Indigenous rights and food sovereignty in forest conservation


At the upcoming IUFRO 2026 Conference in Patagonia, a symposium will bring to the forefront the vital intersections between Indigenous rights, wildlife conservation, and food sovereignty. Drawing on the CIFOR-ICRAF project "Wild Meat and Food Sovereignty", the session will discuss how sustainable wild meat use strengthens nutrition security and cultural resilience in Indigenous communities.


Stephan Michael Funk
Stephan Michael Funk

Led by Dr. Stephan Michael Funk, conservation biologist and co-founder of NatureHeritage

(www.natureheritage.org), the symposium combines global research with on-the-ground experiences. Dr. Funk, who has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers and three Cambridge University Press books, emphasizes that conservation in the Anthropocene must not only protect biodiversity but also safeguard human well-being.


https://www.iufro2026coyhaique.com/symposiaandopensessions




PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026 in Coyhaique, Chile
Logo of RA – Partner organization of IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026
IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026 in Coyhaique, Chile
 Centro Cultural Coyhaique
Logo of RA – Partner organization of IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026
Conaf - CONAF
Logo of RA – Partner organization of IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026
FSC en Chile
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IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026 in Coyhaique, Chile
Logo of RA – Partner organization of IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026
Logo of RA – Partner organization of IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026

IUFRO Division 8 Conference 2026 - Summary

Forests as Hubs of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Anthropocene
Coyhaique, Aysén Region, Chilean Patagonia, 24-27 March 2026

IUFRO Patagonia 2026 is a leading international scientific conference bringing together renowned researchers, decision-makers and institutions to address critical challenges related to forests, biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate change in one of the most iconic regions of the Southern Hemisphere. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-level scientific dialogue while experiencing Patagonia´s forest landscapes, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange and long-term scientific networks.

Why attend IUFRO Patagonia 2026?

  • International keynote speakers and world-class experts

  • Cutting-edge scientific symposia and thematic sessions

  • Field trips in native Patagonian forests

  • Strategic venue in the city centre of Coyhaique

  • Opportunities for collaboration and global scientific networking

 

For further information, please contact us at: iufro.div8.2026@gmail.com

Coyhaique, Chile hosts the IUFRO Division 8 Conference - March 24–27, 2026
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