About the Conference Logo

The logo created for the EAERE Conference draws inspiration from one of Madrid's most iconic symbols: El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree). This emblem, immortalized in the famous sculpture at Puerta del Sol, has represented Madrid for centuries and reflects the enduring relationship between people and nature.

The origins of the symbol are rooted in a remarkable episode of Madrid's medieval history. In the 13th century, the Town Council and the Church disputed the ownership and use of the surrounding lands. The conflict was eventually settled by dividing the territory: the Church retained the pastures, while the Council was granted control over the forests and woodlands. To commemorate this victory and its new stewardship of the forests, the city adopted the image of a bear standing on its hind legs to reach the fruit of a strawberry tree (madroño), replacing the earlier heraldic bear that appeared simply walking on all fours. The emblem thus became a symbol not only of Madrid itself, but also of the sustainable value of its natural resources and the importance of their governance.

This medieval dispute reminds us that questions of property rights, resource allocation, and environmental governance have shaped societies for centuries. By reinterpreting Madrid's historic emblem, the conference logo celebrates the host city's heritage while symbolizing EAERE's commitment to advancing research on the sustainable management of natural resources, evidence-based environmental policy, and the enduring connection between people, institutions, and nature.