Join international experts on 13 – 15 October 2020 to discuss actions for protecting and sustainably using the world’s plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of people and the planet.

https://www.kew.org/science/engage/get-involved/conferences/state-of-the-worlds-plants-and-fungi-symposium

This online symposium brings together experts to discuss findings presented in the report and to motivate actions for protecting and sustainably using the world’s plant and fungal diversity. The outcomes of the discussions will be used to inform policies and research aimed at exploring and sharing knowledge and benefits associated with plants and fungi around the world. 

By holding it online, we’re able to bring together even more people globally – representing a diverse range of skills, experience and ethnic backgrounds.

Programme

The programme is based around six themed sessions in which invited experts will address a topical question through presentations and a Q&A panel discussion:

Session 1 – Collections 
Why are they important for averting biodiversity loss? What should we do to help them evolve to enable us to address future challenges?

Session 2 – Biodiversity loss
What is driving the extinction rates?

Session 3 – Plant and fungal uses
How can we maximise the use of plant and fungal diversity to meet global challenges?

Session 4 – Genomics
How do we embrace novel approaches to studying plant and fungal biodiversity?

Session 5 – Commercialisation
How do we optimise the economic benefits of plant and fungal biodiversity in recognition of different stakeholders’ needs?

Session 6 – Policies   
How can we work globally to respect and enable Access and Benefit Sharing and CITES regulations, while increasing the diversity of plants and fungi being studied?