Wednesday, July 8, 2026

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Room DM.1.15

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Details

Conservation professionals (CPs) are in the frontlines working for planetary health and biodiversity protection. Members of this community are directly and continuously being confronted with the rapid deterioration of ecosystems and the related feelings of loss and threat to human well-being. A growing body of research addresses this increased mental and emotional pressure and argues that it is crucial to support the mental wellbeing of CPs if society needs their expertise, knowledge and transformational capacities. The aim of our workshop is to raise awareness of and support mental well-being and emotional resilience of CPs by exploring the concept and practice of hope. The workshop begins with a short knowledge-sharing session introducing key insights into how hope and emotional resilience can sustain wellbeing and effectiveness in conservation. Participants are then guided through a self-reflective process using creative, arts-based methods to examine their personal relationship with hope — how it shows up in their work, and how it can be nurtured even in the face of ecological loss and uncertainty.The final part of the workshop offers a space for shared reflection and dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and connection. Participants will be invited to reflect on how they can nurture their own wellbeing and resilience while continuing their mission for the planet. The HOPEN Workshop is a creative outcome of a 1.5-year organizational well-being and transformation process at ESSRG. HOPEN was financed by TRIGGER (Grant No. ID: 101057739).

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Organiser