The proposed theme, "Achieving Inclusive Science for Effective Conservation, Adaptation, and Resilience in the Tropics," resonates profoundly with current challenges and aspirations in tropical science and conservation. Tropical ecosystems, home to the majority of Earth's biodiversity, face unprecedented threats from climate change, habitat loss, and overexploitation. The urgency to safeguard these vital systems aligns with global commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, emphasizing adaptive and resilient conservation strategies. 

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Importantly, this theme acknowledges the critical need to address persisting imbalances in conservation science and a legacy of exclusivity. Historically, tropical conservation has often been guided by perspectives and priorities from the Global North, sometimes overlooking local contexts and knowledge systems. This imbalance has led to increasing calls for greater equity and inclusivity in shaping conservation priorities and methodologies, a call that demands our attention.

 

Central to this theme is the inclusion of diverse voices beyond geographic boundaries, particularly those from communities living in and around tropical regions. Inclusivity, however, is a much broader objective for ATBC and the annual meetings. Achieving inclusive science means broadening our vision to include the many parallel knowledge systems that coexist alongside the natural sciences. These diverse systems play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of social and ecological dynamics in the tropics and their intricate interdependencies.

 

An interdisciplinary approach is crucial, ensuring that conservation strategies are not only scientifically robust but also culturally relevant and socially equitable. Therefore, the emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in conservation science transcends moral imperatives; it becomes a strategic necessity.

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Diverse perspectives not only foster innovative solutions but also guarantee that conservation actions are resilient, adaptive, and effective in the face of global environmental challenges. This theme sets a progressive agenda for the tropical conservation science community, promoting a more equitable, inclusive, and effective approach to preserving our planet's most biodiverse regions.