Nature FIRST Conference Programme 

Aerial view of ocean waves crashing onto the shore with white foam, featuring vibrant turquoise water. NatureFirst logo present in the bottom right corner.

Join us for two days of inspiration, collaboration, and action at the Nature FIRST Conference on 25–26 June 2025 at Ouwehands Dierenpark in the Netherlands.

Our carefully curated agenda brings together leading conservationists, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to tackle the most pressing challenges in biodiversity protection. Expect keynote speeches from global experts, interactive panel discussions, and hands-on workshops designed to spark new ideas and foster meaningful partnerships.

Explore the full agenda below and get ready to be part of shaping the future of conservation.

Agenda

  • 09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome Coffee

    09:30 | Welcome Words – Nature First Executive Directors from Sensing Clues, Sustainable Scale-up Foundation and DotSpace + Guests

    09:45 | Keynote Speech – TBA

    10:15 | Panel Discussion: From Tools to Action – Scaling Conservation Solutions for Global Impact
    Panelists: Jan Kees Schakel (Sensing Clues), Boris Hinojo (3eData) + TBA
    Moderator: Linda van Duivenbode

    11:00 – Workshops (3 Breakout Sessions):

    • 1 - Wildlife Forensics: Human-Wildlife Conflict

      Summary: TBA

      Host: Claire Gwinnett (University of Staffordshire) + WWF Ukraine

    • 2 - Monitoring Landscape Changes: Environmental Time Series

      Summary: “Explore how Sentinel-2 satellite data and smart tools can help you track landscape changes over time. Learn to assess environmental interventions, compare past and present conditions, and take control with an intuitive web app.”

      Host: Melanie Arp (Geospatial Data Scientist at Sensing Clues) + CorrelAid

    • 3 - From Theory to Operational Use: Policy, Training and Resources

      Host: Linda van Duivenbode (DotSpace)

    12:00 | Lunch

    14:00 – Workshops (3 Breakout Sessions):

    • 1 - Wildlife Forensics: Using Forensic Science to Fight Wildlife Crime

      Summary: TBA

      Host: TBA

    • 2 - Collaboration Processes using the Example of Sturgeon Agent-Based Modelling (ABM)

      Summary: TBA

      Host: Danube Delta Research Institute and Sensing Clues

    • 3 - The Challenge of Engaging Target Audiences

      Summary: “An interactive workshop on how to use communication as a tool to encourage human-wildlife coexistence and raise awareness by valuing local knowledge.”

      Host: Anna Susteric (Coexistence.life) and Kacia Rutkoŭskaja (Author at DotSpace)

    15:00 | Networking Coffee

    16:00 | Panel Discussion: Co-creating the Future – Partnerships for Biodiversity Preservation
    Panelists: Martin Spitholt (Sustainable Scale-up Foundation) + TBA
    Moderator: Menno Valkenburg (Sensing Clues, Project Manager Nature FIRST)

    19:00 | Conference Dinner and Party

  • 09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome Coffee

    09:30 | Keynote Speech – Roman Czebiniak

    10:00 | Panel Discussion: Cracking the Case – Forensic Innovations in Combating Wildlife Crime
    Panelists: Claire Gwinett (Forensics Professor at University of Staffordshire), Andro Vos (CEO of Wildlife Forensic Academy) + Gladys Kamasanyu (Chief Magistrate Uganda Wildlife Court)
    Moderator: Sonja van Meerbeek (Sustainable Scale-up Foundation)

    10:30 – Workshops (Breakout Sessions):

    • 1 - Wildlife Forensics - TBA

    • 2 - Digital twinning in ecology: how could a real-time model help you?

      Summary: “Discover how digital twins could be applied to your own work! With demos of the Crane Radar and Human-Bear Conflict Radar to get you thinking about the possibilities, in this collaborative session we will develop ideas for new digital twins based on your own needs and data.”

      Host: Anna Davison (PhD candidate at Wageningen University) and dr. Koen de Koning (Professor at Wageningen University)

    • 3 - Do More with Data in Conservation & Knowledge Graph: monitoring, evaluation, federated part

      Host: Albin Ahmeti (Knowledge Engineer at Graphwise) and Jan-Kees Schakel (Founder Sensing Clues)

    11:30 – Workshops (3 Breakout Sessions):

    • 1 - Wildlife Forensic Toolkit: Practical Tools for Rangers & Law Enforcement

      Summary: "Discover how a new forensic toolkit, developed with input from rangers, helps secure wildlife crime scenes. Learn from student research on real cases and share your insights to improve future tools."

    • 2 - Habitat Mapping Process, Automations of the Change Detection on Habitats & Collaboration on Interactive Habitat Map

      Summary: TBA

      Host: Boris Hinojo (Head of Technology 3eData)

    • 3 - Market Drivers for Nature Conservation (Serious Game Approach)

      Summary: "In this workshop, participants will collaborate to develop sustainable market strategies that balance limited resources with conservation objectives of nature areas, effectively addressing real-world challenges and bottlenecks."

      Host: Linda van Duivenbode (Senior Consultant DotSpace)

    12:30 | Lunch

    14:00 – Workshops (Breakout Sessions):

    • 1 - Bear Risk Radar and Forensics

      Summary: TBA

      Host: WWF Romania, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sensing Clues and University of Staffordshire

    • 2 - Combining Technologies for Conservation

      Summary: TBA

      Host: Jan-Kees Schakel (Founder Sensing Clues), Smart Parks and Hack the Planet

    • 3 - Market Drivers for Nature Conservation (Serious Game Approach)

      Summary: "In this workshop, participants will collaborate to develop sustainable market strategies that balance limited resources with conservation objectives of nature areas, effectively addressing real-world challenges and bottlenecks."

      Host: Linda van Duivenbode (Senior Consultant DotSpace)

    15:00 | Networking Coffee

    16:00 | Closing Session: The Next Decade of Conservation – Vision, Strategy, and Collaboration

    17:00 | Closing Reception

Overview of Topics

Infographic with four sections: Human-Wildlife Conflict Solutions featuring a magnifying glass icon, Biodiversity Monitoring with animal track icons, Habitat Mapping & Monitoring displaying a location icon, and Knowledge Graph with a circular graph icon. Each section describes innovative conservation strategies.

Workshops

At the Nature FIRST Conference, we’re moving away from passive presentations and focusing on interactive, hands-on learning. Our workshops are designed to engage participants actively—offering practical skills, fresh perspectives, and tools you can take home and apply in your own conservation efforts.

Led by experts in wildlife forensics, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement, these sessions dive into real-world applications and cutting-edge innovations that will help rangers on the field, park managers and owners to make the most of their conservation efforts, and generate new projects for scientists and NGO’s.

The workshops will run multiple times throughout the conference, giving you the flexibility to join when it suits you best. You can find the full agenda, including who’s leading each session and where they’ll take place, in the detailed schedule above.

Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or practitioner, these workshops will leave you with actionable insights, meaningful connections, and strategies to drive real impact.

Person speaking at a presentation with a microphone, standing next to a flip chart and a banner about preserving biodiversity and wildlife protection. A projector screen displays information titled 'Services for Our Field Partners.'
Man speaking at a conference with a Nature First banner in the background and audience members listening.

Interactive Panel Discussions

The Nature FIRST Conference is all about fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Our panel discussions are designed to go beyond traditional talks, encouraging active participation and the exchange of ideas between experts, practitioners, and attendees.

We will be bringing together leading voices from conservation, policy, research, and innovation who will be covering topics including:

  • scaling conservation tools for global impact

  • co-creating partnerships for biodiversity preservation

  • exploring forensic innovations to combat wildlife crime

Each panel offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, ask questions, and gain insights you can apply in your own work.

Panel discussion in a conference room with attendees

Networking and Matchmaking Sessions

Our goal is to ensure that by the end of the conference, you’ll have established valuable connections and identified opportunities for new partnerships that can make a lasting impact on the conservation community. That’s why we’ve designed dedicated networking and matchmaking sessions to help you connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and experts from across the globe.

To further foster connections, we’ll be hosting a conference dinner and party after the first day of the event. This informal setting will give you the chance to connect on a different level, away from the conference rooms, and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere. Share ideas, exchange experiences, and have fun while making the most of this unique networking opportunity.

A group of people gathered outdoors in a grassy field with forested hills in the background, dressed in outdoor clothing suitable for cool weather.
Three people having a conversation at a table. They are wearing name tags and lanyards, suggesting a professional or conference setting. One person holds eyeglasses, another a water bottle.
People gathering at a wooden hut with NatureFirst signs, surrounded by caution tape and a police evidence bag, in an outdoor setting.
People examining items on a table with forensic tools at a crime scene investigation exhibit, including fingerprint samples and magnifying glasses, surrounded by yellow police tape.

Exhibitions and Fair

Explore our exhibition spaces where conservation-related organisations will showcase their cutting-edge work, highlighting real-world solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges. These exhibits are designed to spark conversations, foster collaboration, and inspire action.

Among the highlights of the exhibition:

  • Outdoor Wildlife Crime Scene: Step into a mock crime scene and apply forensic skills to unravel the mystery of wildlife crime.

  • Outdoor Innovation Test Zones: Experience hands-on innovations that are transforming conservation practices on the ground.

  • “Talk to a Wolf” Activity: Engage in an immersive experience designed to raise awareness about the complexities of human-wildlife conflict.

Speakers and Presenters

  • Dr Jan-Kees Schakel

    Founder of Sensing Clues, specialising in AI-driven ecological monitoring and data-driven conservation strategies to help predict and prevent human-wildlife conflicts.

  • Man with a beard in a purple shirt standing outdoors with a green background.

    Boris Hinojo Sanchez

    Founder of 3eData, developer and project manager of Horizon Europe’s Nature FIRST, with expertise in technology-driven conservation.

    “Remote sensing and local knowledge combined are key to nature conservation: let's team up at the Nature FIRST conference to take action. “

  • Woman smiling in a knit hat and outdoor jacket, sitting on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean.

    Dr Claire Gwinnett

    Forensic scientist and professor at University of Staffordshire, specialising in forensic fibre analysis and environmental forensics, with a strong focus on applying forensic science to wildlife crime investigations.

    “It’s time to prioritise wildlife crime investigations and prevention in all of its forms – from terrestrial to marine; this conference will start the next steps of this journey and bring together those who can make a real change”

  • Man in a suit with glasses standing outside with arms crossed

    Andro Vos

    Founder and CEO of the world's first Wildlife Forensic Academy, which trains conservationists to tackle wildlife crime.

  • Person in a blue polka dot blazer with glasses smiling against a white background.

    Gladys Kamasanyu

    Chief Magistrate with the Uganda Judiciary and currently head of the Uganda Wildlife Court. Gladys is also the founder of Help African Animals, a nonprofit saving lives through influencing the human mindset and behaviour towards wildlife protection.

    “The poor pay more for wildlife trade”

  • Judith Dekker

    Founder and Director of Kumbe Biodiversity, an organisation based in Tanzania providing transparent and innovative solutions for biodiversity monitoring.

Do you want to be part of the Nature FIRST conference?

Secure Your Spot Today!

What’s Included in the Conference Package:

  • Full access to two days of workshops, discussions, and co-creation opportunities, where you’ll have the chance to give your input and shape the dialogue on key conservation issues. This conference offers space for everyone to contribute and learn. Whether you're representing an NGO, a research institution, or another organisation, your presence will enrich the dialogue and foster connections that last beyond the conference.

  • Lunches, coffee breaks, and a special dinner will be provided, ensuring you’re nourished while engaging with the community.

  • Access to Ouwehands Dierenpark and a tour to connect with wildlife and gain further inspiration for your work.

Supporter Options:

  • Early Bird Supporter Package: €250 (Limited availability)

  • Standard Conference Package: €295

We understand that supporting the full price of the conference supporter package might not be possible for everyone. That's why we offer 60% discounted tickets for those who need financial support. Simply complete our application form for a discounted ticket, and we will review requests on a rolling basis

Please note that discount codes can be redeemed on the payment page. Limited tickets available due to venue capacity.

Free Admission Application

Nature FIRST consortium members and their guests are eligible for free admission (up to 10 tickets per partner). Applications are subject to verification of eligibility.

If you qualify, please complete the application form:

All attendees will receive their tickets via email one week before the event.

Partnership options: We are currently exploring tailored opportunities for organisations to get involved in this dynamic, interactive environment—whether through knowledge partnerships, sponsorships, joint initiatives, or other collaborative efforts. By joining us as a partner, you’ll have the chance to host a booth, lead interactive workshops, or contribute to the exhibition, sharing your valuable knowledge and real-world solutions with a professional and public audience. Reach out to nalini@sustainablescale-up.com for more information.

Supporters and Partners of this Conference

  • Logo of 'Bears in Mind' featuring stylized text inside an orange bear silhouette.

    Bears in Mind

    Partner

    Bears in Mind is a Dutch foundation dedicated to protecting bears in the wild and rescuing those in captivity who suffer from poor conditions. For over 30 years, the organisation has improved bear welfare through rescue efforts, education, and nature conservation. Known for its sanctuary Het Berenbos in Ouwehands Dierenpark, Bears in Mind provides a safe haven for traumatised bears and works to create a future where humans and bears coexist harmoniously.

  • Ouwehand Zoo Foundation logo with globe and stylized animal silhouette.

    Ouwehands Zoo Foundation

    Partner

    Ouwehand Zoo Foundation (OZF) is dedicated to supporting global nature conservation, species preservation, and education. Through funding and partnerships, OZF helps protect habitats from poaching, supports species conservation, and raises awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Over the past 16 years, OZF has donated over €10.9 million to conservation projects worldwide.

Gain an overview of all beneficiary consortium partners here