The one-day summit aims to bridge the gap between academic research and field-based conservation. Attendees will participate in panel discussions and expert presentations focused on developing coordinated strategies to mitigate the dangers these animals encounter in the wild. For over three decades, Wildlife SOS has served as a primary advocate for the species, most notably facilitating the end of the traditional dancing bear practice and establishing alternative livelihoods for dependent communities.

Nikki Sharp, executive director of Wildlife SOS USA, emphasized that while the end of the dancing bear trade was a victory, the current landscape requires a more sophisticated approach. According to Sharp, protecting the species now demands a deeper understanding of bear behavior and more robust habitat preservation efforts. The symposium serves as a platform to translate scientific data into actionable policy, fostering collaboration between NGOs, government bodies, and international researchers to secure a sustainable future for India’s sloth bears.