UNU-IAS, as host of the IPSI Secretariat, and the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) will co-organize a public forum as part of the Tenth Global Conference of the International Partnership for the Satoyama Initiative (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 UNU 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

09:00–09:25 Opening Remarks and Framing Presentations

• Washington Luna (Dean of Electronics and Informatics, Rector Elect, ESPOCH)
• Fausto Sarmiento (Professor, University of Georgia; UGA): Montology and Biocultural Heritage Imperatives in the Andes and the World’s Mountains
• Suneetha Subramanian (Research Fellow, UNU-IAS / IPSI Secretariat): Regenerative Development for Strengthening the Sustainable Development Goals in Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS) 

09:25–10:00 Panel 1: Actions and Efforts to Protect and Conserve Mountain Landscapes

• Mordecai Owidi Ogada (Executive Director, Conservation Solutions Afrika)
• Renato Chávez (Professor, ESPOCH)
• Alden Yépez (Professor, Archaeology and Heritage of PachaLab, Chimborazo, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; PUCE)
• Patricio Mena (Conservationist, Andenist Researcher, Fundación EcoCiencia)
• Olmedo Cayambe (Indigenous Community Representative, Chimborazo Wildlife Production Reserve; RPFCH)
• Paul Tito (Director, RPFCH)
• Henry Sánchez (Director, Sumak Kawsay)

10:00 Break

10:15–10:45 Panel 2: Raising Awareness and Motivating Stakeholders Towards Conserving Mountainscapes

• Chen-Fa Wu (Professor, National Chung Hsing University; NCHU, Taiwan Landscape Environment Association)
• Carlos Jara (Professor, ESPOCH)
• Ana María Varea (Biologist and equatorial ecologist / Former UNDP Quito)
• Rosa Jijón (Artist and Anthropologist)
• Sidney Eigeman (Biology & Geography Researcher, UGA)
• Alex Gavilánez (Professor, ESPOCH)

10:50–11:25 Panel 3: Sustainable Ecotourism as An Engine for Conservation of SEPLS

• Engin Yilmaz (Executive Director, Yolda Initiative)
• Danny Castillo (Professor, ESPOCH)
• María Dolores Vera (Executive Director, Foundation for Research and Social Development; FIDES) 
• Jack Rodríguez (Owner, Hostería Cumandá; Foundation for Sustainable Development of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region )  
• Juan Manuel Carrión (Scientific illustrator, Member of the Charles Darwin Foundation)
• Chadley Hollas (Ecotourism and Precarity Researcher, UGA)
• Jaime Eduardo López (Professor, University San Francisco de Quito; USFQ)

11:25–11:55 Q&A

11:55 Closing Remarks

• Carlos Jara (Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, ESPOCH)

Organizers

The event is co-organized by UNU-IAS, IPSI Secretariat, University of Georgia (UGA), Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), and Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan (MOEJ).