WWF Partner Symposium

June 5 - 6, 2023 | Washington, DC

 

Join your fellow Partners in Conservation and other committed WWF supporters for an exclusive event at WWF headquarters in Washington, DC! The 2023 Partner Symposium begins on Monday June 5 with a deep dive into our work with people and communities to protect, restore, and nurture the world’s most ecologically important forests and oceans. Together we will explore the innovative ways we are developing and delivering solutions that protect vital ocean and forest ecosystems and the abundance of life they support.

This two-day event continues Tuesday with sessions that coincide with Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW). This annual event is convened in conjunction with other ocean-focused nonprofit partners and brings people together in the spirit of ocean conservation. The Partner Symposium concludes as CHOW begins, so if you are interested in learning more about ocean conservation, you might consider staying in DC through Thursday to participate in Ocean Week official programming. Learn more about CHOW here.

Agenda

To give you an idea of what to expect, here is the current agenda for the Symposium.
Please note that the program and schedule are subject to change.

Monday June 5

9:00amRegistration and Breakfast
10:00amWelcome and Opening Remarks
10:15am

Safeguarding a Future for Forests: Strategies for Nature, Climate, and People

From filtering the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing us with products we use every day—forests are essential for our survival. And these extraordinary ecosystems are also home to most of the world’s life on land. Yet we’re losing forests at alarming rates. Learn how WWF’s Forest team is working toward a future in which the world’s critical forests are conserved to sustain nature’s diversity, benefit our climate, and support human well-being.

11:00pmMorning Break
11:15pm

A Holistic Approach to Forest Protection: From Critical Landscapes to Global Strategies

Confronting the diverse threats facing forests requires an innovative approach. Drawing on sound science and profound expertise, WWF collaborates with key partners in critical landscapes and around the globe. Together, we create and implement novel strategies to address the most pressing issues impacting forests. Hear about our work in the Amazon and Congo Basin and how it connects with human health and corporate engagement.

12:30pmLunch and Learn
1:45pm

Healthy Oceans for the Planet, People, Prosperity, and Peace

When oceans are healthy, the planet flourishes and people thrive. Now, as the connection between the health of our global seas and climate change is ever present and more political attention and public and private sector resources are devoted to ocean conservation than ever before, WWF has a renewed approach to protecting and restoring our oceans. Learn how WWF takes an integrated approach to ocean conservation, combining place-based seascape conservation work with global-scale initiatives.

2:30pmAfternoon Break
2:45pm

Initiatives for Impact: The Future of Fish and the Impacts of Resource Conflict

The seas provide life to billions, and nothing represents this relationship better than fish. Climate change is expected to exacerbate fisheries resource conflict by intensifying competition for dwindling fish resources, which will create new challenges for fishing communities that rely on these resources for their livelihoods. Learn how this scenario is playing out in the seascapes around the world and explore the potential for new ideas, partnerships, and science to address these issues and mitigate the impacts of future fisheries conflict.

3:30pm

Initiatives for Impact: Alaska’s Native Communities and Ocean Conservation

As the Arctic region is experiencing some of the most rapid and severe changes on the planet, Alaska Native communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This panel discussion will focus on the ocean climate challenges facing Alaska Native communities from several generations of community members—from Elders who hold traditional knowledge about the impacts of climate change and adaptations, to youth ambassadors who bring fresh perspectives on the many benefits of technology and innovation. Discover how Native communities are working together to adapt and build resilience.

4:30pmClosing Remarks and Networking Reception

 

Tuesday June 6

8:00am Breakfast
8:45am Shuttles depart for Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
9:30am

Ocean Policy: Strengthening Marine Ecosystem Resilience to Climate Change

Overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and a changing climate are increasing pressures on vulnerable marine ecosystems and the communities that depend upon them. The U.S. and partners must work to address these impacts and strengthen the resiliency of marine ecosystems now, so they can withstand the increasing pressures of a warming ocean and changing climate in the future. Join a panel of policy experts from WWF and partner organizations who will discuss policy solutions that strengthen marine ecosystem resilience to the impacts of climate change—now and for years to come.

11:00amLunch
12:30pm
Tour of Sant Ocean Hall, National Museum of Natural History
3:00pmSymposium ends

 

When considering your travel plans, we suggest you arrive in DC over the weekend for a Monday morning start. The Symposium will end on Tuesday afternoon, so departing flights that evening would allow you to participate in most/all of the programming.

If you have any questions, please contact us at (888) 993-1100 or [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you in June!