Theme:
“Socio-Ecological Approaches to Climate-Resilient Sustainable Development”
Venue: IBRAD Campus, Kestopur, Kolkata – 700101
Dates: 10–11 October 2025
Main WAAC Congress
29–31 January 2026, ICRISAT—Hyderabad
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About the Event
The Indian Institute of Bio-Social Research and Development (IBRAD), in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, West Bengal State University, is organizing a two-day pre-congress event of WAAC-2026 on 10–11 October 2025 at the IBRAD Campus, Kestopur, Kolkata.
The World Applied Anthropology Congress (WAAC) is the biennial flagship event of the Anthropological Association for Humankind (AAfH). The main congress will take place at ICRISAT, Hyderabad, on 29–31 January 2026. This pre-congress gathering in Kolkata will serve as a critical forum to engage with the theme “Socio-Ecological Approaches to Climate-Resilient Sustainable Development.”
Background and Rationale
Humanity today faces a climate emergency that is no longer confined to scientific models or policy debates—it is lived reality for millions across the globe. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, water scarcity, migration, biodiversity loss, and climate-induced vulnerabilities are disrupting lives and livelihoods at an unprecedented scale. Conventional technocratic responses—while necessary—remain insufficient if detached from the cultural, social, and ecological contexts within which human communities negotiate survival and resilience.
Applied anthropology, with its holistic perspective and people-centered methods, offers unique insights into the socio-ecological foundations of resilience. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation, traditional ecological knowledge, and community-driven practices, anthropological approaches illuminate pathways that are not merely sustainable in a technical sense but culturally grounded, socially just, and ecologically restorative.
Guiding Questions
· How can anthropology reframe resilience as a transformative, rather than merely adaptive, approach?
· What lessons do indigenous ecological practices offer for global sustainability debates?
· How can socio-ecological systems more effectively integrate justice, equity, and biodiversity protection?
· What governance frameworks can enable participatory, community-driven climate action?
· How can applied anthropology build stronger connections between scientific research, community practices, and policy innovation?
Conference Invitation
We invite you to join the conference to explore the ground realities of ecosystems that present significant challenges to sustainable human development. The event will address obstacles to progress in ecological anthropology and sociocultural and biophysical sciences. Through keynote lectures, paper presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions, the pre-congress will create a platform for meaningful discussion and collaborative action on these pressing issues.
Objectives
Explore anthropological methods for socio-ecological resilience, including One Health approaches.
Bridge traditional ecological knowledge and modern scientific practices.
Discuss policy pathways for climate-resilient livelihoods, with emphasis on migrant and vulnerable populations.
Build capacity among public functionaries and community leaders to address socio-ecological challenges.
Thematic Tracks
1. Local Knowledge, Global Relevance – Indigenous ecological knowledge and adaptation.
2. Justice and Equity in Climate Action – Displacement, migration, and marginalized communities.
3. Socio-Ecological Systems Thinking—Linking ecology, economy, and society.
4. Participatory Governance and Policy Innovation – Co-creation of climate policies.
5. Culture, Ethics, and the Anthropocene—Anthropological perspectives on sustainability and responsibility.
Why Attend?
· Join a global community of anthropologists, scientists, and practitioners.
· Present and promote your latest research findings.
· Gain career guidance and research insights from leading experts.
· Forge meaningful international collaborations.
· Participate in hands-on sessions, workshops, and tutorials.
· Network with journal editors, publishers, and funding agencies.
· Be part of shaping the future of socio-ecological sustainability.
Expected Outcomes
A Hyderabad Declaration on Socio-Ecological Approaches to Climate-Resilient Sustainable Development.
2. A repository of case studies and community practices on resilience and adaptation.
3. Strengthened networks of collaboration across academia, civil society, and policy.
4. Identification of research gaps and actionable policy priorities.
Deadlines
Paper Submission Deadline: 2 October 2025
Registration Deadline: 5 October 2025
Virtual Presentations: Available upon request and Invitation Letters: Issued on demand
Contact
Pre-Congress WAAC-2026 Secretariat
IBRAD Campus, Kestopur, Kolkata – 700101
info@ibradindia.org
Contact Numbers:
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