Applications Invited for ISTF Innovation Award

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About the Organization

The Yale ISTF Chapter is dedicated to the advancement of tropical forest studies at the Yale School of the Environment, formerly known as the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. The ISTF conference has been hosted at Yale for 28 years and addresses a range of socio-ecological issues across the tropics.

We are excited to announce the 31st Annual Conference of the Yale Chapter of the International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF), taking place in 2025. This year’s conference, titled Governing Resilient Tropical Forest Systems, will explore critical issues surrounding the governance of tropical forests, which play a vital role in global climate regulation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions. As we approach significant international negotiations like COP16 in Colombia and COP30 in Brazil, this conference will delve into key topics such as the integration of scientific research and traditional ecological knowledge, the impact of land tenure and indigenous management, the effectiveness of economic incentives and forest finance and successful models of stakeholder collaboration across different geographic scales.

About the Award

Since 2014, the Yale Chapter of the International Society of Tropical Foresters (ISTF) has awarded an Innovation Prize at its annual conference to honor outstanding initiatives and ideas related to tropical forest use and conservation. The ISTF 2025 Conference seeks to explore how research and policy discourses on forest governance at multiple geographic scales are treating and impacting tropical forests. ISTF 2025 will focus on five main areas of discussion related to the governance of tropical forests, detailed in the conference concept note.

We are looking for innovative examples of approaches, experiences, or efforts of individuals, groups or organizations in line with this year's theme.

Two ISTF Innovation Award finalists will be selected to present their experiences, approaches, or efforts to an expert panel of judges and conference participants in New Haven, CT at the 2025 ISTF Conference. Innovation Award finalists will receive a cash award contingent on the quality of submissions and ISTF fundraising efforts (historically 1,000 - 3,000 USD).

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Innovative approaches being tested or implemented
• The project contributes meaningful lessons to the field of tropical forestry
• Relevance to this year’s overarching conference theme
• Demonstrated leadership in your field, community or context
• Clear and compelling presentation of ideas

How to Apply

• Application Deadline: 22th November, 2024
• Conference Dates: 31st Jan & 1st Feb, 2025

The 2025 conference will be offered in a hybrid format, with options to attend sessions in-person in New Haven or online via Zoom. Now more than ever, we are counting on your curiosity and ideas to combat the anthropological and ecological threats to tropical forests.

Please contact istf@yale.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information please check the Link

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