An Inside Look at Athene Watershed26
With the end of May in sight, there are just a few short weeks until Athene Watershed26. Positioned at the convergence of agriculture and conservation, Watershed26 is a cross-sector summit designed to drive change and unite mission around improved water quality. Held on June 30 and July 1, Watershed26 will include keynotes, breakout sessions, site visits, a pitch competition, and more.
Learn more about Watershed26 in our preview below.
Emerging Voices Track
Conservation has historically been a niche topic, rarely part of dinner-time conversation. But as environmental challenges have mounted, so have concerns from everyday citizens. Now a mainstream conversation, Watershed26’s Emerging Voices track will focus on how we engage and elevate the next generations of leaders and change-makers in the conservation space.
Sessions include:
- Unlikely Allies: Women Shaping the World of Conservation & Agriculture
- New Media as a Voice for Conservation
- Developing Alternative Markets for Regenerative Agriculture
- Ask a Farmer: Debunking Common Misconceptions
- Who’s Who & What’s What: A Snapshot of Conservation Ag Resources
Learn more about the Emerging Voices track and offered sessions in this episode of The Happy Disruptors Podcast.
Finance Solutions Track
You have the support for conservation — but how do you make it sustainable and scalable? With innovative and strategic financing. In this track, attendees will learn about the funding models, cost-share programs, and emerging markets that help align environmental outcomes with economic viability.
Sessions include:
- State Revolving Funds: A Tool for Water Quality Financing
- Leveraging Conservation Bonds
- Funding Spectrum Roles: Understanding and Maximizing Functionalities
- Outcomes Based Financing
- Carbon Markets for Regenerative Agriculture
- Financing Market Diversification: The Future of Conservation Agriculture
Tune in to this episode of The Happy Disruptors Podcast to learn more about this track and how these topics are shaping the future of conservation.
Science & Data Track
As environmental challenges evolve, so must the ways we approach conservation. Watershed26’s Science & Data track will highlight the research, real-world applications, and technical approaches transforming conservation. Attendees will also learn what current data is saying, how it informs decision making, and ways we can leverage it to continually improve our conservation systems.
Sessions include:
- Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Taskforce: Looking Ahead to the Next 30 Years
- Novel Reporting & Insight: New Data, Application, and Trends
- Water Quality & Public Health
- Precision Agriculture: Conservation Implications & Takeaways
- Innovative Practices & Technology
Check out this episode of The Happy Disruptors Podcast to learn more about the Science & Data track.
Stacked Benefits Track
How can communities fully leverage conservation? The Stacked Benefits track highlights how conservation, when properly harnessed, can provide communities economic, recreational, tourism, and social benefits. Attendees will learn about different strategies, projects, and programs they can implement to maximize the outcomes of conservation for their region.
Sessions include:
- Recreation as a Catalyst for Conservation
- The Economics of Water Resiliency
- Adapting to Government Funding: Successful Transitions from the Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities Program to the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative
- Positioning States for Maximum Water Quality Investments
- Investments Upstream: Rethinking Conservation Intervention Strategies
Watch for an upcoming Happy Disruptors Podcast episode to learn more about the Stacked Benefits track.
Convergence: The Conservation Ag Accelerator
Convergence is a first-of-its-kind pitch competition designed to accelerate the next generation of conservation agriculture solutions. Innovators, farmers, investors, and industry leaders are invited to showcase their high-impact ideas that will help improve conservation outcomes on agricultural land.
Applications will be accepted until June 1, with the final three applicants advancing to the live pitch competition on July 1 at Watershed26. A panel of expert judges will award the following prizes:
- First place: $50,000
- Second place: $10,000
- Third place: $5,000
To learn more about Convergence and apply, visit the Convergence webpage.
Water quality will not be solved by one organization, group, or government. Instead, it will be solved by a diverse coalition, coming together in support of a common cause. Athene Watershed26 was built around this idea, and we look forward to seeing you there. To learn more and register, please visit the Watershed26 webpage.
