ATBC Code of Ethics

Ethical practice is at the core of scientific practice, notably in the tropics where conservation is confronted with diverse ecological systems, social contexts, and histories of injustice. The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) recognizes the importance of ethical standards for supporting a scientifically robust, inclusive, and responsible global research and conservation community. Members of ATBC are generally engaged in research and cooperation spanning cultures, disciplines, and frontiers. This reality calls for more than technical proficiency—it requires ethics of shared respect, responsibility, and care. As such, the ATBC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee has developed a Code of Ethics to publicly share the core values and guiding principles that shape the ethical and professional responsibilities of our organization's members. The DEI committee aims to foster diversity and inclusion in the ATBC community, contributing to creative and innovative thinking, and allowing for diverse solutions and better science. The Code of Ethics articulates broader ethical commitments and serves as a foundation for ethical decision-making in research, conservation, outreach, and professional conduct. It differs from a Code of Conduct, which focuses on specific behavioral expectations and enforcement mechanisms for professional interactions, including at conferences and society events. By adopting this Code of Ethics, ATBC commits to maintaining a professional environment that supports diversity, respects local and Indigenous communities, upholds scientific integrity, and advances biodiversity conservation as a shared responsibility. This document represents the values and voices of an inclusive group committed to reshaping the way tropical biology is practiced and served. We view these codified ethics as an opportunity to form deeper trust, heal harm, and achieve fairer and better conservation outcomes. Through this Code, ATBC reaffirms our commitment to promoting ethical leadership and accountability within and beyond our organization. ATBC is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for its members in order to facilitate biology research and conservation in the global tropics. This Code of Ethics outlines our commitment to responsible conduct during research, conservation, outreach, and engagement activities at ATBC events and by ATBC members generally.