Society of Ecological Restoration World Conference

Conference Overview

The Society for Ecological Restoration staged the 10th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2023) in Darwin. SER is an international non-profit organization. With over 5,000 members in more than 110 countries.

Theme and Focus

The 2023 conference theme was ‘Nature and people as one: celebrating and restoring connection’. With a focus on the important connection between culture and nature.

Attendance and Venue

The Darwin conference was a sell-out. With close to 1000 delegates attending from 85 countries.

Logo Inspiration

We chose the mangrove leaf as the inspiration for the conference logo. Its adaptability and importance for ecological health and ecosystem services influenced our decision. The ochre colour scheme honoured the strong Indigenous culture of the Northern Territory.

Support and Sponsorship

SER received strong support from Northern Territory Business Events (NTBE). NTBE are the official convention bureau for the Northern Territory. It also received support from Tourism Australia. Through its Business Events Bid Fund Program.

Pre-Conference Training

The conference organizers held pre-conference half-day and full-day training courses. Occurring on the two days before the official commencement of the conference.

Hosting and Events

Hilton Garden Inn Darwin, and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin, hosted the conference. A Global Forum was also staged. Along with a UN Decade Advisory Board meeting.

Sessions and Workshops

SER held 750 concurrent symposia, workshops, field trips, plus poster and training sessions. Exploring restoration issues across all continents and ecosystems. Topics encompassed indigenous and local restoration knowledge. They also included field-based restoration innovations, global databases, and innovative eco-technologies. Additionally, they included community projects and inspirational approaches.

Plenary and Exhibition

Conference plenary sessions were live-streamed each day. A trade exhibition was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade Darwin.

Additional Events

During conference lunch breaks, the organizers staged several more events. The Darwin Entertainment Centre held them at The Playhouse. They were also held in the lobby and foyer space of the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin.

Field Trips

The conference organizers arranged a total of 12 field trips. Some occurred before and some after the conference. Providing an opportunity for delegates to see some of the innovative restoration projects. The projects are being undertaken in the Northern Territory.

Tour Options

The single and multi-day options were Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park. They included a visit to the former mine site known as Rum Jungle. Also, a 3-day Katherine River Safari. Additionally, a cultural wetlands visit. Finally, the iconic Central Australia locations of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.

Image credit: Instagram @serestoration