IAIA26 Gives Back: Supporting Forest Conservation in Québec
When more than a thousand people travel from around the world to gather in one place, the impact of a conference extends beyond what happens inside the meeting rooms. That’s why IAIA is committed to reducing the environmental footprint of its annual conferences and finding ways for each event to leave a positive legacy in its host community.
As part of the IAIA26 stewardship program in Québec City, US$7 from each eligible conference registration was set aside to support local environmental initiatives. With 1,220 registrations contributing to the program, that added up to US$8,540.
Working with the IAIA26 Local Organizing Committee and the AQEI Affiliate, IAIA chose to direct those funds toward forest and biodiversity conservation, following the recent wildfires that have affected forests and communities across Canada.
Two Québec organizations were selected to receive equal donations of US$4,270 each: Nature Québec and Corridor Appalachien.
Nature Québec
For more than four decades, Nature Québec has worked to conserve natural environments and promote the sustainable use of resources. Its work spans biodiversity, forests, energy and climate, and urban environments. IAIA’s contribution will specifically support Nature Québec’s work in forest protection, helping protect Québec’s forests and the biodiversity they sustain.
Corridor Appalachien
Corridor Appalachien works to protect the ecological corridor of the Northern Green Mountains in southern Québec, part of one of the world’s largest remaining areas of continuous temperate hardwood forest. Its work includes acquiring ecologically valuable lands for permanent protection, conducting biodiversity research, caring for protected natural areas, and mobilizing local partners to advance conservation throughout the region.
$7 at a time
Seven dollars from one registration is a small contribution. But 1,220 of them added up to real money for forests that need it. It’s one piece of how IAIA approaches conference stewardship—minimize the footprint, maximize local benefit, leave something behind.
So to everyone who joined us at IAIA26: you were part of this. Thank you!
