In the wake of the high biological and cultural diversity along with the systemic economic crises that Latin America witnesses, the study of interrelationships among economic growth, income distribution and ecological impacts becomes a fundamental milestone in the way of achieving a more balanced development. Historically, economic, social, institutional and environmental problems have been linked to each other.

Therefore, the search for their solutions must be carried out from an interdisciplinary perspective. During the last two decades, the region has experienced economic growth rates far below the expected figures, an exacerbation of social inequity and institutional weakening, as well as an increasing pressure on ecosystems and a worsening of environmental conflicts. These factors, being so urgent and relevant, ask us to think about and develop alternative models for the development of the sub-continent.

The Ibero-American Conference on Development and the Environment, under the title Local Challenges to face Globalization, intends to set up a plural, social and scientific forum of discussion on concepts, methodologies and experiences that allows both to analyse the relationship among development, environment, and equity in the economic globalization era, as well as to throw some light on the strategies to follow.

One of the main goals of this event is to set the base of an Ibero American Network on Ecological Economics (INEE), whose aim will be to strengthen ties among regional research groups as well as to encourage their cooperation with other research groups beyond the continent.

From our point of view, the process of growing economic and cultural integration that is taking rise in Latin America should be accompanied by better scientific communication and development. In this way, the launching of the Ibero-American Network on Ecological Economics will contribute as a multiplier factor not only offering a regional forum for discussion and exchange but also strengthening bonds among the existing or future national research groups.

Moving forward towards a more sustainable development in Latin America is clearly necessary. However this is a complex and difficult process, as it is shown by the continual financial crises and economic recessions, the increase of the social inequality, the deepening of poverty and the progressive deterioration of ecosystems in the region during the last decades. Therefore, a multidisciplinary and integrative analysis, in dialogue with the civil society, is a necessary step to identify the key elements of local strategies addressed to improve the level and the quality of life of the people involved. For this reason, from our point of view, the meeting of researchers from different scientific fields and territories, the exchange of their own approaches and results, their communication and validation with the experience from civil organisations, policy makers and economic agents are of the most relevance.

One of the main drawbacks faced for the participation of local societies in international scientific meetings is the language, since they usually are carried out in English, a language with low presence in Latin America. In order to overcome this language-knowledge gap and to promote an active participation of the civil society along with scientific contributions, and given that the central focus of the Congress is on the reality of Latin America, Spanish and Portuguese will be the official languages of the Congress.

Here you can see which are the members of the organization and scientific comittee

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