The Social Science Working Group (SSWG) is looking forward to an exciting programme of conservation social science at the North American Congress for Conservation & Restoration (NACCR) 2026. Whether you’re a long-standing member of the conservation social science community or simply interested in learning more about the human dimensions of conservation, we hope you’ll join us for our Working Group meeting, and SSWG board members contributing to two excellent sessions:
Tuesday, July 14
Leveraging Social and Behavioral Sciences for Conservation and Restoration
🕥 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
📍 N208-C, Baird Center (North)
This contributed session showcases how social and behavioural sciences are advancing conservation and restoration around the world. Presentations explore topics including behaviour change in conservation planning, Indigenous farmers’ motivations for conservation in Mexico, public awareness of illegal wildlife trade, ethnobotany in Nepal, landowner motivations for habitat conservation, and how cultural framing influences public support for tree conservation.
Together, these talks demonstrate the growing contribution of behavioural science, conservation psychology, environmental communication, and human dimensions research to improving conservation outcomes.
Supporting Bird Conservation with Social Science on Private Lands
🕐 1:00–3:00 PM
📍 N206-A, Baird Center (North)
This symposium brings together social scientists from universities and conservation organisations to explore how research can support bird conservation across private lands, including forests, farms, ranches, and residential landscapes.
Presentations examine landowner motivations, barriers to conservation participation, public perceptions of bird-friendly programmes, participatory science, and the social and cultural factors that influence conservation behaviour. Speakers represent a range of career stages and institutions, including Georgetown University, Virginia Tech, Point Blue Conservation Science, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, National Audubon Society, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The symposium concludes with a panel discussion on the future of conservation social science in private land conservation.
Social Science Working Group Meeting
📅 Thursday, July 16
🕘 9:00–10:15 AM
📍 N204-C, Baird Center (North)
Everyone is warmly invited to attend the Social Science Working Group Meeting.
This is an opportunity to learn about the Working Group’s recent achievements, hear about our strategic vision for the next three to five years, and discover the many ways you can get involved—from upcoming events and collaborative initiatives to volunteer leadership opportunities.
Whether you’re a long-time member, an early-career researcher, or simply curious about conservation social science, we’d love to welcome you. The meeting is an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and help shape the future of the Working Group.
We hope to see you there!
Social science plays a vital role in understanding human behaviour, governance, equity, values, decision-making, and collaboration—all essential ingredients for effective conservation. We look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces throughout the conference. If you’re passionate about the human dimensions of conservation, these sessions offer a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and contribute to a growing global community of conservation social scientists.
