The 2015 IAB World Conference was held from 11–15 January in Puerto Williams, Navarino Island, within the UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Hosted by Omora Ethnobotanical Park, Universidad de Magallanes and the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity, with the support of the University of North Texas, the meeting brought together 51 bryologists from 19 countries for 38 oral presentations and 11 posters.
The main themes were Sub-Antarctic Bryology, Bryophyte Biology, Conservation Biology, Evolutionary Community Ecology, Phylogeny & Systematics, Phylogeography & Biogeography, and Art, Ethics & Bryophyte Ecology. The conference highlighted the exceptional bryophyte diversity of the Cape Horn region and included field excursions through sub-Antarctic Nothofagus forests, peatlands and Cerro la Bandera, as well as a memorable navigation with the Chilean Navy to historic Wulaia Bay.
But the Puerto Williams conference was more than a scientific meeting. It brought together bryologists, members of the Yagán community, students, local residents, political authorities and the Chilean Navy, creating opportunities to share knowledge, landscapes and experiences. The event was inaugurated by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, giving exceptional national visibility to bryology and to scientific research in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve.
Reference: Gallery of Bernard Goffinet ‘s Lab
The 2015 IAB World Conference was held from 11–15 January in Puerto Williams, Navarino Island, Chile, within the UNESCO Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve.
