February 2-4, 2024 - SOLD OUT, Livestream Only
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Palm Desert, California

Thank you to the generosity of our friend and supporter Susan Cooper, as well as Visit Great Palm Springs, for sponsoring this event.

We are pleased to announce Saturday's presentations will now be livestreamed FREE on YouTube.

Due to an overwhelming interest, here and abroad, in the International Desert Conservation Summit, we will be livestreaming Saturday's events on YouTube.

The livestream will begin at 8:30am PST on Saturday, February 3 and is anticipated to end around 4:00pm PST. To view the livestream, click below or visit LivingDesert.org/IDCSLive2024.

Join the Livestream

  
In person tickets are currently SOLD OUT for all three days of the summit. To join the wait list, email idcs@livingdesert.org with your name and contact information.

 

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See Emmy Award-Winner, Jeff Corwin as Keynote Speaker

This year’s event will also feature a meet-and-greet with Keynote Speaker, Jeff Corwin, biologist and wildlife conservationist, and former host of Disney Channel's Going Wild With Jeff Corwin!

Photo Courtesy of Steven Martine.

Meet the Desert's Conservation Heroes

Preserving and protecting the world's deserts is no small feat but, together, experts from around the world are working to do just that.

Here's your chance to witness change in the making and meet the people on the frontlines of conservation!

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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.

Want to learn more? Learn more about each day's unique events below!

• Friday, February 2, 6:00pm - 8:30pm — Welcome Party

  Welcome Party: Meet the Conservation Heroes and Video Introductions

  A captivating welcome party kicks off the International Desert Conservation Summit, featuring a social 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, 8:30am - 5:00pm — Presentations & Awards Luncheon

  Presentations & Awards Luncheon

  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, Beginning at 8:00am — Conservation Excursions

  Conservation Excursions at The Living Desert Zoo

  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.