A fundamental question in evolutionary biology is how repeatable evolutionary trajectories are when species adapt to new environments: will similar evolutionary solutions be found, or will alternative routes be followed? Does evolution repeatability depend on the scale considered (phenotype, molecular determinants, genetic changes) and on the trait considered? I'll address these questions using Ostrinia pests as a model system: following maize introduction from America 500 years ago in Europe and in Asia, two maize-specialized species have independently emerged on each side of the continent. I will discuss the key evolutionary changes that produced these pests, and the strategies they developed to thrive on maize crops. 

Biodiversity constitutes the fundamental basis of Algeria's natural heritage, offering exceptional wealth in both animal and plant species. However, this diversity is currently subject to multiple pressures: climate change, habitat degradation, intensive agricultural practices, the marginalization of local breeds and varieties, and the loss of traditional know-how. Faced with these challenges, the detailed characterization and valorization of national genetic resources appear to be essential levers for sustainable and innovative natural resource management. 

The presentation will focus on how the valorization of local breeds and varieties, through the creation of DNA biobanks, the development of quality labels, the promotion of local products, and the integration of traditional knowledge, can contribute to the resilience of agro-pastoral systems and food security. Finally, we will discuss the prospects offered by integrated approaches, combining research, training, innovation, and stakeholder involvement, to address the challenges of sustainable biodiversity management in Algeria and the Mediterranean region. 

This presentation aims to advocate for greater synergy between researchers, decision-makers, farmers, and livestock producers, in order to transform the richness of our biodiversity into a driver of sustainable development, while ensuring the preservation of our heritage for future generations.

In an increasingly human-dominated world, the pressure on natural ecosystems continues to grow—through urban expansion, tourism, infrastructure development, and resource exploitation. These pressures are particularly acute in fragile coastal environments, where human presence often overlaps with the critical breeding habitats of wildlife. The Kentish Plover (Anarynchus alexandrinus), a small ground-nesting shorebird, exemplifies the vulnerability of biodiversity to these changes. Nest loss due to trampling, habitat degradation, and increased predation is now common across many breeding sites.

This presentation addresses both the problem and the potential solutions. Drawing on research and conservation experiences, we highlight how evidence-based strategies can mitigate human impacts and restore breeding success. Research and conservation efforts across several regions have shown that relatively simple measures—such as temporary fencing, seasonal access control, public education, and collaborative management—can significantly improve nesting success.  We argue that conserving ground-nesting birds requires more than scientific data—it demands a shift in public perception and collaborative governance. Only by linking science, policy, and public engagement can we ensure that species like the Kentish Plover continue to find a place to nest in an increasingly crowded world.

In the face of accelerating biodiversity loss and escalating climate change, the integration of plant biotechnology into natural resource management offers a promising path forward. This presentation explores how advances in plant tissue culture, in vitro conservation, and secondary metabolite production contribute to enhancing ecosystem resilience and preserving plant genetic diversity. Drawing from regional and international research experiences, the session highlights innovative biotechnological strategies that address environmental stressors and support long-term sustainability. The discussion further examines how scientific innovation can be aligned with climate adaptation goals and national development priorities, offering actionable insights for a more sustainable future.