海角社区-IAS will co-organize a public forum as part of the (IPSI-10) to be held in Riobamba, Ecuador on 3–5 March 2026. Focusing on conservation in mountain landscapes and sustainable ecotourism, the event will provide a platform for dialogue and exchange among policymakers, practitioners, researchers, community representatives, artists and students, focusing on practical approaches to conserving mountain socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The event will explore experiences and perspectives across three thematic areas: the protection and conservation of mountain landscapes; awareness-raising and stakeholder engagement through diverse approaches, including arts and media; and sustainable ecotourism as a driver of conservation and community development. Through shared reflections and discussion, the forum aims to foster mutual learning and strengthen collaboration toward societies in harmony with nature.
Participation & Registration
This event will be held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at the (ESPOCH) Main Auditorium. Advance registration is required to participate in person and online, and it will open in early February.
Please note that participants in 海角社区 events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos, and/or audio (see disclaimer).
Language
This event will be held in English and Spanish with simultaneous interpretation provided.
Programme
Subject to change
09:00–09:20 Opening Remarks and Framing Presentations
- Fausto Sarmiento (Professor, University of Georgia; UGA): Montology and Biocultural Heritage Imperatives in the Andes and the World’s Mountains
- Suneetha Subramanian (Research Fellow, 海角社区-IAS / IPSI Secretariat): Regenerative Development for Strengthening the Sustainable Development Goals in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS)
09:20–09:55 Panel 1: Actions and Efforts to Protect and Conserve Mountain Landscapes
- Mordecai Owidi Ogada (Executive Director, Conservation Solutions Afrika)
- Renato Chávez (Research Lecturer, ESPOCH)
- Alden Yépez (Archaeology and Heritage of PachaLab, Chimborazo, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; PUCE)
- Roberto Ulloa (Conservation International Ecuador / Socio Bosque)
- Olmedo Cayambe (Indigenous Community Representative, Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve; RPFCH)
- Paul Tito (Director, RPFCH)
- Henry Sánchez (Representative, Sumak Kawsay In Situ)
10:10–10:45 Panel 2: Raising Awareness and Motivating Stakeholders Towards Conserving Mountainscapes
- Chen-Fa Wu (Taiwan Landscape Environment Association)
- Carlos Jara (Researcher, ESPOCH)
- Ana María Varea (Former UNDP Quito)
- Rosa Jijón (Artist and Anthropologist)
- Diego Bastidas
- Sidney Eigeman (Researcher, UGA)
- Alex Gavilánez (Professor, ESPOCH)
11:00–11:35 Panel 3: Sustainable Ecotourism as An Engine for Conservation of SEPLS
- Engin Yilmaz (Founder, Yolda Initiative)
- Danny Castillo (Researcher, ESPOCH)
- María Dolores Vera
- Jack Rodríguez (Owner, Hostería Cumandá)
- Juan Manuel Carrión (Ornithologist and Artist / Former Director, Zoological Park of Quito)
- Chadley Hollas (Researcher, UGA)
- Jaime Eduardo López (Professor, University San Francisco de Quito; USFQ)
11:35–12:00 Closing Discussion and Q&A
Organizers
The event is co-organized by 海角社区-IAS, IPSI Secretariat, University of Georgia (UGA), Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), and Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan (MOEJ).
About IPSI
The International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (IPSI) works to promote the Satoyama Initiative, a global effort to realize societies in harmony with nature through the revitalization and sustainable management of socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) for biodiversity and human well-being. 海角社区-IAS serves as the secretariat for the IPSI project. More information is available on the .
