Lianas are iconic features of tropical forests, yet remain an understudied yet important component within these ecosystems. While the influence of lianas on forest carbon storage and accumulation potential has garnered significant attention, their broader ecological impacts remain relatively understudied. This symposium seeks to broaden our understanding of lianas in tropical forests by shifting the focus beyond carbon dynamics to explore their multifaceted roles in ecosystem functioning.
While carbon storage is undeniably important, lianas also influence multiple other processes in tropical forest ecosystems. Through this symposium, we aim to shed light on the lesser-explored aspects of lianas, including their afterlives targeting their effects on nutrient cycling, contribution to forest biogeochemistry, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem resilience, with a significant focus on understudied regions (Asia and Africa).
Drawing attention to the gaps in current research, this extended symposium will emphasize the need for a holistic approach to liana studies not only while they are alive but also after they are dead. By examining their interactions with soil, vegetation, microorganisms and fauna, we expect to gain a more comprehensive understanding of liana ecological significance. Key themes to be addressed include:
- Exploration of understudied aspects of liana ecology, such as their phenology, reproductive strategies, and interactions with other biota.
- Meta- and global analyses of regional trends in pantropical liana abundance, diversity, and distribution, considering the diverse environmental and climatic conditions.
- Assessment of lianas' afterlives, liana contribution to forest biogeochemistry and roles in nutrient cycling, including their effects on soil dynamics, and the cycling of essential elements.
- Evaluation of lianas' contributions to biodiversity, considering their relationships with other flora and fauna and their effects on habitat structure and resource availability.
- Emergence of novel methods to investigate their multifaceted role in tropical ecosystem functioning

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and exchange of knowledge, this symposium aims to advance our understanding of lianas in tropical forests and their importance in shaping these complex ecosystems. By uncovering the hidden intricacies of liana ecology, we can better conserve and manage these vital components of tropical biodiversity.