The 11th INTECOL International Wetlands Virtual Conference brought together researchers, conservation professionals and students around the world.
10–15 October 2021 · Christchurch, New ZealandThe INTECOL 2021 virtual conference created a truly global space for exchanging ideas about wetland science, conservation, and community stewardship. By moving online, the event removed barriers of distance and travel, allowing a much wider network of researchers, practitioners, and students to participate in real time. The programme blended live plenary sessions, interactive networking breaks, and an on-demand library of presentations, ensuring attendees across time zones could engage meaningfully. This digital format demonstrated how technology can strengthen international collaboration in environmental science, opening doors for more inclusive and accessible knowledge sharing well beyond the conference dates themselves.
Central to the conference theme was the meaningful integration of traditional knowledge with innovative scientific approaches to wetland management. Sessions explored how indigenous perspectives and long-held cultural understandings of landscapes can complement modern research methodologies, creating richer and more effective conservation strategies. Speakers highlighted case studies where partnerships between local communities and scientists led to better outcomes for wetland health, biodiversity, and cultural values. The dialogue affirmed that respectful collaboration across knowledge systems is not just beneficial but essential for addressing the complex environmental challenges facing freshwater and coastal wetland systems globally.
The virtual exhibition and poster hall gave attendees the chance to explore cutting-edge research, tools, and initiatives from institutions and organisations around the world. Presenters shared work on topics ranging from remote sensing and hydrological modelling to community-led restoration and policy development. The multimedia format allowed for video walkthroughs, downloadable resources, and direct messaging with authors, replicating the informal yet valuable exchanges that typically happen in physical poster sessions. This digital repository remains a lasting resource, enabling continued learning and connection long after the live programme concluded.
Networking formed a cornerstone of the conference experience, with dedicated virtual spaces designed to foster spontaneous conversation and relationship building. Themed chat rooms, social breakout sessions, and a central meeting hub gave participants opportunities to connect beyond formal presentations. Whether discussing shared research interests, exploring potential collaborations, or simply meeting peers from different continents, these informal interactions mirrored the hallway conversations and coffee-break chats that make in-person gatherings so memorable. The platform aimed to recreate that sense of community and shared purpose in a digital environment.
Keynote and plenary presentations brought together leading voices in wetland science to reflect on progress, challenges, and future directions for the field. Speakers addressed pressing topics such as climate resilience, biodiversity loss, water quality, and the role of wetlands in carbon sequestration. The sessions were designed to inspire as well as inform, encouraging attendees to think broadly about the interconnectedness of ecological health and human wellbeing. Recordings of these talks were made available on demand, allowing registered participants to revisit insights and share them with colleagues and students beyond the conference window.
The conference programme included a special documentary screening that explored the cultural and ecological significance of wetlands through storytelling and visual media. This screening offered a reflective pause in the schedule, inviting attendees to engage with wetland narratives in a more personal and emotive way. The film highlighted sacred swamps, community guardianship, and the deep connections between people and watery landscapes. By incorporating arts and media into the scientific programme, the conference acknowledged that communicating wetland values requires multiple languages — not only data and analysis, but also story, image, and cultural expression.
A dedicated focus on professional development and certification opportunities added practical value for attendees seeking to advance their careers in wetland science and management. Workshops and guidance sessions covered topics such as publishing strategies, career pathways, and professional accreditation through bodies like the Society of Wetland Scientists. These sessions recognised that building capacity within the wetland community goes beyond sharing research — it also involves supporting the next generation of practitioners and ensuring that expertise is recognised and credentialed across borders and sectors.
The organisers expressed deep gratitude to sponsors, partners, and the host city of Christchurch for their support in bringing the virtual conference to life. While the event could not take place in person on New Zealand's South Island, the spirit of manaakitanga — hospitality and care — was woven throughout the digital experience. Special acknowledgement was given to the many volunteers, session chairs, and technical teams who worked behind the scenes to manage the complexities of a global online event, troubleshooting glitches and ensuring sessions ran smoothly for an international audience.
Feedback gathered from attendees highlighted the success of the virtual format in fostering meaningful exchange, though many also expressed hope for future hybrid gatherings that combine the accessibility of online participation with the richness of in-person connection. The conference demonstrated that high-quality scientific discourse and community building can thrive in digital spaces when careful attention is given to design, facilitation, and participant experience. As the wetland community looks ahead, the lessons learned from this gathering will inform how international conferences evolve to be more inclusive, sustainable, and far-reaching.
The conference ran across six days, with sessions scheduled in New Zealand time and a full programme covering plenaries, special sessions and poster presentations. Virtual attendance was offered as a full-conference pass or single-day pass, alongside a post-conference on-demand pass available for three months after the event.
Plenary sessions featured David Irwin and Gillian Davies, offering perspectives on wetland research and management that framed the conference theme of combining traditional knowledge with innovative science.
Meet the speakers
Alongside the scientific programme, the conference offered virtual visits to New Zealand wetland sites and presented the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands, setting out principles for wetland conservation discussed during the event.
Explore the visits