Every year, we produce a major interactive event dedicated to addressing a priority conservation challenge. We provide an objective platform for collaboration between government, industry and civil society and, together, we catalyse informed action for nature.
Our 2026 national symposium will centre around Australia's achievement of Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas.
This event will include a showcase of the people and organisations contributing to the delivery of Target 3 across the country, but we will aim to venture beyond the standard metrics of measurement. We will support Indigenous leadership, knowledge and perspectives as we explore the deeper purpose, challenges, and opportunities of conserving nature at scale, and highlight important Beyond 30x30 initiatives.
The 3-day schedule includes a 2-day Symposium, a casual group dinner, and an optional day 3 workshop for anyone interested in learning about the 2027 IUCN World Protected Areas Congress.
The program is currently being designed with input from the Steering Committee:
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Kelly De Bie - Parks Victoria
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Liz Dunlop - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
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James Fitzsimons - The Nature Conservancy + IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
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Darren Grover - WWF Australia
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Jody Gunn - Australian Land Conservation Alliance
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Jo Hopkins - IUCN Australian Committee + IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
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Barry Hunter - North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance
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Jason Irving - SA Department of Environment and Water
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Erica McCreedy - IUCN Council + North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance
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Graham Moore - NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
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Paul Sheridan - Pew Charitable Trusts
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Sherri Tanner-McAllister - IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
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Sarah Terkes - IUCN Australian Committee
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Nick Weinert - QLD Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation
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Joanne Wilson - IUCN Australian Committee + IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
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Jennifer Woolley - Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water
More details about the program, speakers, partners, and the sponsorship guide will be shared soon.
About the Symposium