Tropical ecosystems face unprecedented pressures from climate change, land use shifts, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these challenges requires innovative strategies that bridge disciplines, integrate local knowledge, and foster global collaboration. Research networks provide a robust framework for achieving these goals, enabling coordinated data collection, long-term monitoring, and actionable conservation strategies. This symposium will highlight the role of the PPBio network in allowing a collaborative research network between local people and researchers to conserve tropical ecosystems.

The session will explore how the PPBio network can merge diverse approaches—such as multi-taxa inventories, ecological monitoring, socioecological system studies, community-based conservation, and valuation of ecosystem services —with cutting-edge technologies like remote sensing, metabolomics, eDNA, etc. A key focus will be on integrating local knowledge systems and participatory methods to ensure culturally and contextually relevant outcomes.

Speakers will present case studies at the PPBio network, including the role of initiatives like the installation of permanent field sampling structures that facilitate the integration between researchers and local people, as well as multi-country collaborations under programs like GEO BON. Topics will include how the network addresses challenges like funding sustainability, data sharing, and capacity building in low-resource settings.

The symposium will conclude with a moderated discussion among the speakers and audience, identifying opportunities for new partnerships and methodologies to enhance the impact of research networks in tropical conservation.