Pre-Conference Trainings

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14 June 2026 | 10:00-16:00

In an increasingly polarized world, our ability to communicate across divisions is essential to building stronger, more resilient communities. Polarization has become one of the biggest barriers to conservation today – whether it’s wolves, land use, or climate policy, polarized debates stall decision-making and erode trust. Most stakeholder engagement processes aren’t designed to reduce conflict; too often, they entrench it by overlooking the human dimensions of conservation challenges. Behind every conflict are people with histories, emotions, and values that shape their positions.

This interactive workshop equips participants with facilitation techniques to reduce polarization and support constructive dialogue in contentious conservation contexts. Drawing from real-world examples in human-wildlife conflict, participants will explore strategies to engage diverse values, manage difficult emotions, and design processes that move groups from entrenched positions toward shared goals. The workshop begins with a broader look at how to design effective and inclusive stakeholder engagement processes aimed at achieving critical social outcomes such as depolarization and conflict resolution. The workshop reframes stakeholder engagement as a tool not just for consultation, but for depolarization and reconciliation. It also introduces research-based frameworks from deliberative democracy, peacebuilding, and reconciliation, highlighting how theory can inform practice in accessible and applied ways. Geared toward both practitioners and researchers, the workshop blends case studies with scholarly insights to show how these approaches can be applied in real-world settings as well as studied in academic contexts. Through interactive activities, participants will practice navigating social conflict, fostering empathy and perspective-taking, and reframing conservation issues in ways that open space for more constructive dialogue.

Learning objective: Participants will leave with practical facilitation tools to navigate conflict, reduce polarization, and foster more constructive group dialogue.

Led by:

Dr. Mireille Gonzalez, Co-Director & Research Associate, Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence, Colorado State University

Registration:

$100 per person; includes coffee/tea breaks and lunch

14 June 2026 |  13:00-16:00

During the Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conference in Cordoba, we hosted a workshop on human–wildlife coexistence. The conversations that unfolded — raw, reflective, and rich in perspective — confirmed something we already sensed: this topic deserves more space. More depth. And more voices. That’s why we’re organizing a follow-up:

Next-Level Coexistence: Wildlife and people

An interactive, hands-on workshop for professionals working directly with human–wildlife conflict and coexistence — whether in policy, practice, or research.

We’ll revisit key outcomes from Cordoba, but this is not a recap. It’s an invitation to go further. Together, we’ll:

• Share practical insights — including what didn’t work.
• Examine how “coexistence” is framed across disciplines.
• Explore perspectives, including the non-human lens.
• Reflect on gaps between science and practice.
• Connect local realities with broader visions.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

The workshop mainly aims at connecting professionals from the field of coexistence – both, practitioners and scientists – and to give them a platform to share experiences and learn from each other while improving their own work, building networks, forming collaborations etc. In this, we also aim at bridging science-practice gaps that professionals experience, while also advancing the field of coexistence as such.

The perfect event to spark an important conversation about coexistence and to kick off the conference!

Led by:

Dr. Susan Boonman-Berson, Founder & Director, Bear at Work / Bear at Work Academy — Multispecies Relations in Human–Wildlife Coexistence

Registration:

$63 per person + processing fees

14 June 2026 | 9:00 – 16:00

India represents one of the most significant biodiversity regions in the world and simultaneously a major focal point in the global struggle against wildlife crime. Illegal trade in animal derivatives, habitat-linked offences, and transnational trafficking networks pose persistent challenges that require scientifically robust and legally sound responses.

This academic program introduces Wildlife Forensics in India as an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, forensic science, and environmental law. Designed for presentation within an international academic setting, the program highlights how forensic methodologies are applied within India’s ecological, legal, and enforcement frameworks, while maintaining relevance to global conservation discourse.

The course draws upon Indian case studies to demonstrate how scientific evidence supports wildlife crime investigation, prosecution, and policy implementation. Emphasis is placed on forensic credibility, ethical investigation, and the interface between science and justice.

ACADEMIC CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE

• India as a biodiversity hotspot and wildlife crime transit region
• Application of forensic science in conservation law enforcement
• Integration of national legislation with international conventions
• Relevance of Indian wildlife forensic practices to global conservation strategies

CORE LEARNING THEMES

• Principles of Wildlife Forensic Science
• Wildlife Biology for Forensic Investigations
• Species Identification and Morphological Analysis
• Examination of Physical and Biological Evidence (hair, bone, teeth, reptile derivatives)

If you are interested in this workshop, see more information on this PDF.

Led by:

Dr. Siddharatha Sharma, MCSFS Wildlifer

Registration:

$68 per person + processing fees

Please note: due to travel costs, this training is subject to cancellation if there are not enough attendees. If cancelled, you will receive a full refund and notice of cancellation by 10 April 2026. 

Pathways Europe 2026 Cohosts: