Brisbane will host the world’s leading conservation biology conference in 2025, showcasing the city’s excellence in conservation biology research to a global audience.
Set to take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), the International Congress for Conservation Biology is expected to attract over 1,500 researchers and practitioners from all over the world and deliver a $4.3 million boost to the Queensland economy over the five days.
Australia is home to almost every ecosystem in the world, making it one of the most biodiverse countries globally. Brisbane is Australia’s most biodiverse capital city and is a major hub for conservation biology research, making it an unrivalled destination to host the Congress.
The successful bid, supported by Australia’s scientific community, was led by BCEC advocate, and former Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Hugh Possingham, in partnership with BCEC, together with Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia and Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA).
The Congress will shine a light on ground-breaking activity in key areas such as reef restoration on The Great Barrier Reef, special planning for renewable energy, and First People’s knowledge for land and sea management. The event is expected to spur interest among Australia’s scientific community as well as from the Asia Pacific, including New Guinea and other Pacific Island neighbours. It is anticipated that many delegates will embark on pre- and post-touring, showcasing Queensland and Australia to the rest of the world.
Possingham said Queensland is where the critical mass of conservation biology research is based, with James Cook University and the University of Queensland regularly ranking in the top 10 for environmental, ecological and conservation research globally.
“Hosting the Congress in Australia is an opportunity to create real change through an interdisciplinary approach to solving our conservation biology issues, bringing together ecologists, geographers, social scientists, economists and policy makers to create scalable solutions,” Possingham said.
BCEC general manager, Kym Guesdon welcomed the announcement, saying it recognises Brisbane’s environmental credentials and reputation as a sustainable conference destination.
“At the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre we continually strive to initiate and deliver better outcomes for our community, clients and the environment. Hosting the world’s leading conservation biology conference aligns with ASM Global ACTS, a program which aims to Invest in People, Protect the Environment and Strengthen our Communities,” Guesdon said.
“This high-profile international environmental congress will enhance the city’s credentials enroute to hosting the world’s first carbon neutral and biodiversity neutral Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Among the other key legacies being proposed is providing the opportunity for delegates to offset their carbon footprint by working with the Queensland Trust for Nature to set up a designated program enabling delegates to donate directly to a fund for creating new habitats for koalas.
Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said securing the bid to host ICCB 2025, with support of the Business Events Bid Fund program, was a great outcome for the host city and Australia.
“Events such as ICCB deliver significant benefits to our visitor economy, and we look forward to welcoming these delegates to Brisbane for this important congress.”
