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Project: 358/2024
Title: A Minute to Midnight. 8th International Orchid Conservation Congress (IOCC8) Perth 2024
Applicant: Dr. Jacopo Calevo
Institution: Curtin University, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102
The International Orchid Conservation Congress (IOCC) was inaugurated in 2000, with the first event organized in Perth, Australia. Since then, IOCC has been organized regularly, all around the World, and became a must-do conference for orchidologists and volunteers involved in the conservation of orchids. This high-quality conference engages with top scientists in the field, and in the past conferences it has been an inspiration for those who have gone on to become next-generation orchid scientists. This conference allows all scientists working on orchid conservation to meet, exchange their expertise and experience, and resolve new directions and novel technology to ensure the protection of orchids. The conference aims to be a major educational and scientific opportunity particularly for early career and students developing futures careers in orchid conservation.
Previous conferences offered travel grants for students coming from low-income countries. Since IOCC8 will be organized in Perth again, and given that Australia is an expensive country to reach and visit, the support from AOF aims at ensuring low registration fees for all participants (in particular for students) and to offer travel grants for students from low-income countries.
Further information about the conference can be found at www.iocc8.com
Conference Outcomes
The 8th International Orchid Conservation Congress (IOCC VIII), themed “A Minute to Midnight,” was held in Perth, Australia, from September 3-6, 2024. This global gathering brought together researchers, conservationists, and practitioners to address the urgent challenges facing orchid conservation. The conference emphasized the critical need for integrated approaches, combining scientific research, practical conservation strategies, and community engagement to safeguard orchid species worldwide. With a diverse program of plenary lectures, workshops, and poster presentations, the event provided a platform for sharing innovative solutions and fostering international collaboration.
A key highlight of the conference was to celebrate its commitment to inclusivity and global participation by awarding travel grants to seven students from China, Nepal, Cameroon, Australia, and the Czech Republic. This initiative not only supported early-career researchers but also enriched the conference with diverse perspectives and experiences. The discussions and presentations highlighted cutting-edge advancements in orchid conservation, including the use of genomic tools for taxonomy, innovative ex-situ propagation techniques, and the integration of ecological insights to address threats such as climate change and habitat loss. The conference also recognized outstanding contributions to orchid conservation. The Million Orchid Project received the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Orchid Conservation award for its impactful work in engaging communities and advancing conservation efforts. Other notable awards included Best Student Talks, presented to Lydie Messado and Jing Yang, and Best Poster, awarded to Jennifer Alderton-Moss, with Tara Littlefield securing second place. Helen Richards of the Australian Orchid Foundation was honored as the Orchid Champion, while Jacopo Calevo was recognized as the Early Career Orchid Conservation Champion, underscoring the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the field.
Overall, IOCC VIII served as a vital forum for addressing the pressing challenges in orchid conservation. By bringing together a global community of experts and enthusiasts, the conference underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange. The event’s outcomes, from groundbreaking research to strengthened international networks, reaffirmed the collective commitment to preserving the world’s orchid diversity for future generations.
