A conference entitled 'Conservation Ecology of Cryptogams' was held in Bispgården, Sweden in November, 2005 to increase awareness about the amount of ecological research on cryptogams and the inclusion of these organisms in practical conservation. The conference brought together researchers in the field and helped in collecting findings on the ecology of cryptogams. The topics discussed at the event covered theoretical developments in ecology and the links between these areas of research and their application in applied conservation. It was also helpful in reducing the gap between leading researchers and conservation professionals and covered a wide range of topics on significant ecological research on cryptogams. Participants at the conference also revealed that many general ecological theories can be applied to cryptogams and specific theories, models, and applications need to be developed for conservation of cryptogams.