Griffith University researchers will share ideas and be exposed to rare collaboration opportunities when scientists from around the world unite at the 6th International EcoSummit Congress, the first time it has been held in Australia.

EcoSummit 2023 – Building a sustainable and desirable future: Adapting to a changing land and sea-scape — will take place at the Gold Coast Convention Centre from 13-17 June 2023.

Dr Olaf Meynecke.

Dr Olaf Meynecke, from Griffith’s Whales & Climate Research Program, is a Congress co-chair and said the event would allow renowned marine and environmental scientists to present the latest scientific findings across a range of topics, foster future research collaborations and discuss conservation efforts that could inform and improve decision-making for our marine life and our environment broadly.

“Given the present circumstances of a growing global population, especially in coastal areas, it is clear that embracing sustainable living and resource management is absolutely necessary,” Dr Meynecke said.

“It is envisaged that the Summit will produce a declaration encompassing its vision and policy recommendations.

“At this international congress of experts in environmental modelling, engineering, science, and policy ways forward for developing socio-economic and environmental resilience and sustainable prosperity around the world will be presented.

“The wealth of knowledge that these experts bring from nearly 100 countries is what we need to help address these critical issues in our environment.”

The EcoSummit conference series was founded in 1996 in Copenhagen, as a forum for scientists, practitioners, and policy-makers working across disciplines to solve the integrated environmental, social, and economic problems facing the world today.

EcoSummit 2023 will have a focus on coastal and marine ecosystems including adjacent terrestrial ecosystems and all habitats that are integrated within those ecosystems, including river networks, wetlands and catchments.

Further focus will be placed on fragile systems that are more likely to suffer the consequences of climate change and anthropogenic pressure such as islands, coastal communities and arid landscapes.

Topics covered will include, but are not limited to:

  • Coastal Systems
  • Ecology and Biodiversity
  • Marine Ecosystems/ Aquatic Environments
  • Policies and Governance/Science and Policy
  • Socio-economics

Griffith University is a partner of EcoSummit Congress 2023, organised by Elsevier, with support by Tourism & Events Queensland, Destination Gold Coast and a range of societies and organisations.