For the IUCN Congress 2020, we propose to organize a symposium that spotlights the myriad ways in which insect biological control furthers conservation goals and helps preserve native biodiversity. Drawing upon examples from across the globe, speakers will describe how biological control can help to alleviate the 4 main drivers of biodiversity loss, i.e., habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and synthetic pesticide use. The proposed symposium will not only illuminate how biological control can slow or revert biodiversity loss in both agricultural and natural habitats, but it will also stimulate dialogue and discussion on how this practice can be effectively promoted as a powerful, environmentally-sound and desirable alternative to current (pesticide-based) measures. Outputs from the session will likely spark ideas on innovative ways to preserve (or enhance) key insect-mediated ecosystem services -such as natural pest control- in a rapidly changing world.
