The Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University, in conjunction with Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Department at Virginia Tech, will be hosting the Pathways: Human Dimensions of Wildlife Hybrid Conference on May 31-June 3, 2023, at Colorado State University.
The conference will focus on the theme, “Managing Wildlife in an Era of Mutualism,” which is increasingly important as populations continue to change their stances on wildlife from domination to mutualist views.
Due to shifting societal values, we are seeing the sociocultural context of wildlife conservation changing. Wildlife is increasingly seen as part of one’s social network and worthy of care and compassion, as opposed to being seen as something that should be used and managed to benefit humans. This leads to increasing challenges with traditional wildlife management techniques. Pathways 2023 will explore wildlife viewing, wildlife interactions, building meaningful relationships with underserved communities, and human-wildlife conflict through the lens of mutualism.
“The conference will address the challenges of management in this challenging atmosphere,” said Michael Manfredo, head of the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. “With attendance from a broad spectrum of academics, practitioners, and NGO advocates, we expect a lively dialogue and an important exchange of knowledge.”
Partners in Planning
In an effort to involve many different stakeholders within animal-human accord, the conference brought in committees and groups as partners in planning. These groups spanned the United States’ fish and wildlife agencies and involved both practitioners and researchers.
The following AFWA groups, in addition to individual researchers, will be presenting research at the conference:
- Waterfowl Working Group
- Wildlife Viewing & Nature Tourism Group
- Human Dimensions and Social Science Subcommittee
- Wildlife Diversity Conservation and Funding Committee
- Human/Wildlife Conflict Working Group
- Bird Conservation Committee
- Education, Outreach, & Diversity Committee
Hear From the Experts
The conference will feature 49 research sessions, plenary talks each day, field trips and excursions in Colorado, and trainings for human dimensions of wildlife professionals. As an academic resource, the conference intends to create conversation from different points of view to create regulatory change.
The plenaries will feature government officials, experienced practitioners, and research professionals who have dedicated aspects of their lives to human-wildlife conservation. These speakers include:
- Mark Sturm, Katmai National Park
- Sara Parker Pauley, Missouri Department of Conservation
- Tony Wasley, Wildlife Management Institute
- Alexandra Zimmermann, University of Oxford
- Karen Bailey, UC Boulder
- Duan Biggs, Northern Arizona University
- Ashley Dayer, Virginia Tech
In Person and Virtual Options Available
Sustainability is one of the main focuses of the Pathways Conference. As such, we are providing virtual viewing of the conference for individuals who want to lessen their carbon footprint.
The human dimensions of wildlife conference is open to the public but requires registration to attend. Visit our website to register for the in-person (student, full, or one-day rate) or discounted virtual rates.
About the Pathways Conference
Beginning in 2008, the Pathways Conference has hosted a total of 10 conferences, with the average attendance around 300. With a variety of researchers, educators, and practitioners, the conference has facilitated important conversations, increased collaboration, and allowed for sustainable change in human-wildlife coexistence.
