International Desert Conservation Summit

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens present the International Desert Conservation Summit February 2 - 4, 2024.

What is IDCS? This groundbreaking event brings together the community and global experts in a relentless mission to safeguard the unique flora and fauna that call the desert home, setting the stage for an unforgettable and transformative experience.

During the annual Summit, The Living Desert will award eight conservation heroes a total of more than $150,000 to further their impact of saving threatened and endangered species and ecosystems. Conversations will highlight women in conservation, community-based conservation and educational outreach in Sub-Saharan Africa and Mongolia, conservation in Southern California and Baja Mexico's deserts, and the efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflict around the globe.

Be a part of the eye-opening discussion, as we bring together the world's leading conservation experts who partner with local communities to protect the desert's delicate ecosystems.

Schedule

Friday, February 2, 2024

Welcome Party: Meet the Conservation Heroes and Video Introductions / 6:00 - 8:30 pm

• A captivating welcome party kicks off the International Desert Conservation Summit, featuring a cocktail hour and buffet dinner. Guests will get to chat with the speakers of the event – our Conservation Heroes – and enjoy video shorts about their ongoing work in distinguished organizations around the world.

Saturday, February 3, 2024

SEE EMMY AWARD-WINNER, JEFF CORWIN AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER

PHOTO COURTSEY OF STEVEN MARTINE

Presentations & Awards Luncheon / 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

• Saturday brings a day of enlightening panels and presentations including keynote speaker Jeff Corwin, renowned conservationist and environmental journalist, plus desert conservation experts from South Africa, Mongolia, Mexico, Botswana, Kenya, and the United States. Topics include reducing human-wildlife conflicts, conservation in California and Baja deserts, and conservation and educational outreach in Africa.

• The Living Desert Conservation Hero awards ceremony luncheon honors the Conservation Heroes of the event and their ongoing work to protect and preserve the animals and plants that call the desert home. The day ends with a book signing opportunity with keynote speaker Jeff Corwin, former host of Disney Channel’s Going Wild with Jeff Corwin. Guests will also have the opportunity to chat with the conservation experts of the event to learn more about their important work around the world.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Conservation Excursions at The Living Desert Zoo / 8 am - 5 pm

• The summit ends in a day filled with excursions throughout the park highlighting desert plants and animal species at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Join in a guided hiking tour through The Living Desert’s nature preserve and a botanical gardens tour led by the Zoo’s specialized horticulturists. Discover special, behind-the scenes areas throughout the Zoo and learn more about The Living Desert’s conservation efforts, both on the grounds and throughout the world.

• Planned tours and activities are available until noon, attendees are then welcome to explore the Zoo until 5:00pm.

Purchase Tickets

• 3 Day Pass / $100
• Single Day Tickets / $40