Darwin scores major global conference

The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) has announced that its 10th World Conference will take place in Darwin.

Supported by Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program, SER2023 will be hosted in the Northern Territory capital, and was chosen by the society because of its deep heritage and ties to Indigenous knowledge and customs, as well as the city’s world-class research into restoration at Charles Darwin University.

Kingsley Dixon, incoming chair of SER, said: “I am delighted that SER will be hosting our next World Conference in my native Australia.

“Darwin’s unique location and ecosystems, along with the significance of the region to traditional indigenous cultures, will offer conference delegates new perspectives and insights into restoration.

“An exciting part of the conference will be the opportunity for delegates to engage with Indigenous communities in northern Australia who represent one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world.”

The announcement came at the conclusion of SER2021, which took place earlier this month as a fully virtual conference.

SER said the interactive virtual platform, combined with the society’s new open-door membership and registration program, and the translation of keynote sessions into five key global languages, increased access to a wider community.

More than 1,300 delegates participated from 68 countries, including restoration practitioners, scientists, land managers, indigenous people, government and non-governmental organisational staff, and volunteers.