International congress in Vigo explores ecological connectivity from rivers to oceans
The i-MarCo International Congress 2026 will take place in Vigo, Spain, from 2 to 4 September 2026, bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, government authorities, and environmental managers to explore the role of ecological connectivity across freshwater, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. The congress is dedicated to understanding the complex interactions between rivers, seas, and oceans, and their importance for global biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.
Hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Vigo, the event will provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, discussing best practices, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. Through presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative activities, participants will explore innovative solutions to improve ecological connectivity, address the impacts of climate change, and support integrated, sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.
A particular highlight for the river restoration community is the participation of Prof. Jesse O’Hanley, member of the BRF Advisory Board and one of the congress keynote speakers. Internationally recognised for his work on river connectivity planning, barrier prioritisation, and decision-support tools for river restoration, Jesse will deliver a keynote presentation entitled “River Connectivity Planning and Optimization for Environmental Management.”