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THE NATURAL ABC: nurturing knowledge regenerating life protecting the land

THE NATURAL ABC:
nurturing knowledge regenerating life protecting the land

The First International Congress on Biodiversity and Agriculture (ICBA) will take place in Spain from April 14 to 17, 2026.

European agriculture is at a turning point. The loss of biodiversity, climate change, and the lack of profitability of many crops and production systems are forcing us to rethink our agricultural models. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate that producing food and conserving biodiversity are not opposing goals, but complementary ones: for farmers, working with nature is more profitable than working against it.

This meeting will bring together national and international experts from the scientific field, the agricultural sector, public administrations, and civil society. Its aim is to reflect on the strategic role of biodiversity in agriculture and on the best ways to effectively integrate it into production models, making them more sustainable, resilient, and profitable.

Key topics

BIODIVERSITY IN AGROECOSYSTEMS

Scientific advances in flora, fauna, and soil microbiota; ecological indicators; ecosystem services; functional biodiversity and resilience of agroecosystems; management recommendations

Description

MARKETS, GOVERNANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

Pro-enviromental consumer behavior; Added value of ecosystem services; environmental certifications and differentiation; agricultural and environmental policies; environmental governance; biodiversity conservation

Description

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER & AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT

Demonstration models, perception of rural communities, technological tools, scaling and outreach strategies

Description

ICBA 2026 offers a unique opportunity to connect with international experts, exchange ideas, and discover innovative projects that are shaping the future of agriculture.

We invite all interested parties to participate in this event in Jaén!

Registration Fees Breakdown

Early Bird Registration

(until March 25, 2026)

General - 250€
Reduced - 125€
Gala dinner (April 16) - 40€
Excursion (April 17) - 35€
Register

Late Registration

(from March 26 to April 17, 2026)

General - 325€
Reduced - 200€
Gala dinner (April 16) - 40€
Excursion (April 17) - 35€
Register
Register
Abstract Submission

BIODIVERSITY IN AGROSYSTEMS

This thematic panel aims to highlight the role of biodiversity in maintaining productive, resilient, and sustainable farming systems. It welcomes recent scientific advances on the flora, fauna, and soil microbiota of agricultural landscapes, including studies addressing the factors and processes that determine their spatiotemporal patterns of presence and abundance, population dynamics, and community structure. It also welcomes research exploring the links between biodiversity and agroecosystem functioning to understand the contribution of biodiversity to ecosystem services and resilience in agricultural landscapes. In addition, the panel invites contributions that develop or apply ecological indicators to assess the state of agroecosystems and their associated biodiversity. The session seeks to translate this knowledge into concrete recommendations on crop and environmental management for producers and policy makers, in order to promote biodiversity and ensure the long-term sustainability of productive agroecosystems.

MARKETS, GOVERNANCE & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

This panel focuses on how global market dynamics and growing environmental concerns are key drivers of biodiversity conservation in agriculture. We welcome contributions that provide in-depth analysis of the issue, examining the sustainable attributes that consumers value and how these attributes translate into economic value. Research on the effectiveness of market-based instruments (such as certifications and payments for ecosystem services) will be particularly relevant. In addition, we will examine how environmental governance and public policies can reinforce these market signals through robust standards, transparent information, and coherent regulatory frameworks. Finally, we invite reflections on the transition costs and challenges companies face in adapting their business models to these emerging requirements. Overall, this panel aims to shed light on the pathways toward more resilient and biodiversity-friendly agri-food systems.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER & AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT

This panel bridges the critical gap between scientific research and practical application on the ground. We invite contributions that explore how biodiversity conservation strategies can be effectively translated into daily agricultural management. The session will also focus on the efficacy of demonstration models in proving the viability of sustainable practices to stakeholders. Contributions evaluating innovative technological tools designed to facilitate data sharing and decision-making are welcome. A key component of this panel will be understanding the perception of rural communities, acknowledging that successful adoption relies heavily on social acceptance and local context. The session will also examine successful scaling and outreach strategies capable of transforming isolated pilot projects into widespread regional standards and landscape-scale solutions that are based both on improving (multi-) functionality and enhancing implementation and effectiveness above the farm and plot scales.

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