Across the developing world, millions are utterly dependent on their surroundings, with local environments relied upon on to provide life’s essentials to an increasingly varied cross section of society. Managing habitats so that they stay healthy and contribute to the fight against poverty is a major challenge for the decades ahead. 　　To do this requires an understanding of how different groups benefit from nature. Do certain land management decisions improve life for some at the expense of others? Can these conflicting demands be balanced fairly? And how are the needs of nature balanced against the needs of people? 　　This conference will bring together leading experts to present the latest research findings and explore some of these issues. 　　Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so please register for a place as soon as possible. Registration will close six weeks prior to the conference (5pm UK time, 07 October 2013), or earlier if all places are allocated. 　　Please note that the ESPA Conference is free to attend, however, you are required to arrange and pay for your own travel and accommodation needs.