Symposium 3:
Bio(cultural)geography: Exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics of species, cultures and languages 

Organizers: Sietze J. Norder, Utrecht University 

Framework and background
Biogeography has traditionally focused on the distribution of non-human species, but as human activities increasingly shape ecosystems worldwide, understanding the interplay between cultural diversity and biodiversity has never been more critical. Recognizing this, a growing number of biogeographers is now investigating the spatial patterns of cultural and linguistic diversity, alongside its spatial congruence with biodiversity. This diversity, however, is disappearing at an alarming rate, and addressing this decline requires interdisciplinary collaboration. This symposium will showcase innovative interdisciplinary research focusing on the parallels and interactions between biodiversity and cultural diversity across spatial and temporal scales. 

Speakers:

Introduction: Sietze J. Norder, Utrecht University

Lindell Bromham and Xia Hua (Australian National University). Language biogeography: using analytical tools from macroecology to understand processes shaping linguistic diversity.

Meeli Roose and Outi Vesakoski (University of Turku, Finland). Biocultural drivers of language distribution ranges.

Sandra Nogué (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona/CREAF). Human cultural complexity drives biogeographic dynamics in island ecosystems.

Bernd Lenzner (University of Vienna). Legacy effects of European colonialism on hotspots of biocultural diversity threat.

Michael Gavin (Colorado State University). Environmental influences on geographic patterns of language and cultural diversity.