Biodiversity Without Boundaries puts some of the most important scientific breakthroughs on display to an audience that includes scientists from more than 100 natural heritage programs and conservation data centres, plus scores of government agencies, leading academic institutions, and fellow conservation organizations. This diverse mix fills the niche between academic meetings and policy-centric conferences.Past Conferences
2020: Virtual BWB
In lieu of an in-person conference, BWB 2020 took place in an online webinar series featuring scientific experts from around the NatureServe Network. With more than 100 attendees at each session, the event was successful at keeping our network connected despite the physical challenges of 2020. Watch the recordings from Virtual BWB.
2017: Ottawa, Canada
BWB 2017 took place in picturesque Ottawa, Canada. As the world’s second-largest nation, Canada is home to an extraordinary collection of landscapes and wildlife. NatureServe Canada hosted the NatureServe Network’s annual conference, convening hundreds of the world’s leading conservationists for a series of plenaries, symposia, workshops, panels, presentations, and field sessions. Learn more about BWB 2017.
2016: San Juan, Puerto Rico
BWB headed south to the biodiversity-rich, abundant, and beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Hundreds of the world’s leading conservationists gathered to examine trends, challenges, and science-based solutions across physical, political, and jurisdicational boundaries. Dozens of sessions and workshops focused on botany, zoology, ecology, capacity-building, conservation planning, data sharing, and emerging technologies that help us do our jobs better. Learn more abouit BWB 2016.
2015: Traverse City
Beautiful—and biologically bountiful—Traverse City, Michigan played host to the NatureServe Network’s annual conference. Biodiversity Without Boundaries 2015 brought together nearly 200 scientists, natural resource managers, and corporate and public decision-makers to discuss the most pressing conservation issues of today—issues including climate change, land conservation, freshwater and marine protection, forest ecology and management, data sharing, and emerging technologies. Learn more about BWB 2015.
2014: New Orleans
The NatureServe network’s week in New Orleans brought together more than 200 global leaders in conservation science to share innovations and partner on new initiatives, steeping attendees in messages on the importance of collaboration, the transformative power of wonder, and a deepened call to better define who we are and why we endeavor as we do. Learn more about BWB 2014.
2013: Baltimore
Biodiversity Without Boundaries in Charm City was a smashing success. The highly regarded gathering of scientists, resource managers, data managers, decision-makers, and all-around solution-finders was a can't-miss event for biodiversity conservation professionals. Browse the agenda and presentations.
2012: Portland
This year's conference set records in both attendance and enthusiasm. Exploring everything from Ecosystem Services and the Assessments Landscape to the latest in biodiversity data management, BWB 2012 provided a rich array of opportunities to form and refresh both solutions and relationships. Browse the agenda and presentations.
2011: Nebraska City
Amid the rolling hills and rich bottomland fields of southeast Nebraska, conservation leaders, thinkers, and practitioners gathered to exchange knowledge, share innovations, and bolster their ties to the network. Paying particular attention to issues prevalent in the Midwest region, BWB 2011 brought together an international scope with a local view.
2010: Austin
The United Nations declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity in order to “showcase the contribution of research to the understanding of biodiversity and to policies and management practices that help to stop its loss.” Biodiversity Without Boundaries 2010 brought together conservation leaders, thinkers, and practitioners from across political and organizational boundaries for a stimulating conference that showcased the same.