Special Guest event with Dr. Juraj Švajda

Welcome to Special Guest talk Enhancing Conservation Outcomes: Evidence, Standards, and Adaptive Pathways for Biodiversity Protection

ANTS and FRONT research programmes welcome you to hear their visiting researcher Associate Professor Juraj Švajda's talk Enhancing Conservation Outcomes: Evidence, Standards, and Adaptive Pathways for Biodiversity Protection and participate in the discussion on Thursday, September 25th from 14:00 to 15:30 at Maisemasali (main library, 3rd floor), Linnanmaa campus.

Programme

Coffee & cake

14:05 Opening of the seminar

14:10 Juraj Švajda: Enhancing Conservation Outcomes: Evidence, Standards, and Adaptive Pathways for Biodiversity Protection

14:35 Commentary: Prof. Jarkko Saarinen, Leader of FRONT, Geography Research Unit, Faculty of Science.

14:45 Discussion

15:30 Closing of the seminar

Please remember to register for the event by 24th September through the registration link.

Abstract of the talk

Conservation efforts worldwide face a paradox: while urgent action is needed to halt biodiversity loss, many initiatives lack sufficient evidence of effectiveness, and protected areas often fall short of their intended goals. At the same time, research demonstrates that well-designed interventions have prevented extinctions and provided hope for reversing biodiversity decline. This talk explores how conservation practice can be enhanced through the application of evidence-based approaches, adaptive management, and the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation. Drawing on recent studies, practical experiences, and case examples, I will examine the challenges of bridging research and action, the importance of transparent reporting (including failures), and the role of tools such as Miradi software in supporting more systematic planning and monitoring. By highlighting opportunities for learning and collaboration across the global conservation community, the presentation aims to inspire more effective strategies for sustaining life on Earth.

Bio

Juraj Švajda is an Associate Professor at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, whose expertise includes ecology, protected area management, and the social aspects of natural resource use. His research addresses biodiversity conservation and the impacts of tourism, and he participates in several international projects on ecosystem services and sustainable management.

His three-month visit to the University of Oulu has started in September. The research visit is jointly funded by the VisitANTS Come-and-GOulu and the Resilience Oulu Academy Mobility (ROAM) visitor programmes.

Register here by 24th of September.