CALL FOR WCF 2025 CONFERENCE SIDE EVENT & WORKSHOP PROPOSALS

The WCF 2025 Conference offers an excellent opportunity to share experience and best practice and to identify ways to strengthen collaboration for conservation, management and restoration of coastal ecosystems. We invite applications for organization of side events and workshops.

1. Types of Sessions Open for Submissions

a) Side Events

• Format: 60 or 90-minute interactive sessions combining invited presentations, expert panels, case studies, and audience engagement.

• Requirements:

     o Minimum 50% time allocated to participatory discussions (e.g., Q&A, workshops).

     o Inclusion of diverse stakeholders (policymakers, scientists, conservationists, private sectors, local communities).

b) Workshops

     o Hands-on training or participatory design of tools/strategies.

     o Clear learning outcomes and actionable takeaways (e.g., policy frameworks, community engagement models).

2. Submission Framework

a) Guiding Principles

• Ecological Priority: Proposals should prioritize ecosystem integrity and biodiversity.

• Multilateral Cooperation: Demonstrate cross-sectoral or transboundary partnerships. Involve ≥2 organizations from different sectors (e.g., government, NGO, academia, private sectors).

• Innovative: Highlight technological or governance innovations.

• WCF Engagement: Priority given to WCF Partnership and Coordination Group members.

b) Thematic Alignment

All proposals should link to at least one of the 2025 WCF themes:

• Coastal ecosystem resilience

• Sustainable blue economies

• World Heritage site conservation

• Climate change adaptation

c) Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

• Proposals should involve at least two stakeholder groups (e.g., governments, NGOs, academia, private sectors).

• Engage marginalized groups, youth, and indigenous voices. Encourage gender balance and ≥2 speakers under 30 years of age.

3. WCF Working Principles

To ensure global inclusivity and alignment with international norms proposals should:

• Geographical References: Use names and maps recognized by the United Nations and Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

• Technical Focus: Prioritize scientific, ecological, or development content over sensitive narratives.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Case studies and imagery should respect local customs and indigenous knowledge (with prior informed consent).

4. Submission Checklist

• Proposal title, format, and duration.

• List of proposed speakers/partners with affiliations.

• Detailed provisional agenda with interactive components.

• Relevant to WCF Priorities and Initiatives.

5. Key Dates

• First-Round Submission Deadline: 14 May 2025

• Final Acceptance Notification: 30 June 2025

6. Application Form

Kindly download the << WCF 2025 Conference Side Event & Workshop Application form>> from here. After completing the form, kindly submit it via email to info@worldcoastalforum.org.

7. Support And Contact

For facilitation support, partnership matching, or technical enquiries, please contact: info@worldcoastalforum.org