OKAVANGO RESEARCH INSTITUTE - CALL FOR PAPERS FOR AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

SUSTAINABLE USE OF WETLANDS: challenges of conservation and management in dynamic socio-ecological systems 

Dates   :           28^th July – 1^st August 2014

Venue  :           Maun Lodge, Maun, Botswana.

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 30 April 2014

Background

Wetlands are dynamic and productive ecosystems that support the livelihoods of millions of rural people in the world through their ecosystem functions and services. They also act as basis for a rich cultural tradition. In addition, they contribute to important ecosystem processes on a larger scale through their biogeochemical functions and their impact on the hydrological cycle and climate.  However, the geographical extent of wetlands is decreasing as a result of their transformation and economic development. There is a risk that the valuable ecosystem services of wetlands will be degraded or even be lost in future.  It is therefore important for research and planning to draw attention to the importance and the sustainable use of wetlands.  The symposium aims at improving our understanding of wetland dynamics by exploring all facets of variability and change in wetland systems. Furthermore, the Symposium will review existing knowledge and present the most recent research findings on wetlands dynamics and management options.

 

Objectives of the Symposium

The general objective of the Symposium is to provide an open forum for the exchange of views among wetland academics, policy makers, planners, community members, and nature conservation professionals.

Specific objectives are:

·         To understand flora and fauna responses to the dynamics and heterogeneity of biogeochemical processes and primary production in wetlands.
·         To determine appropriate management regimes of wetland flora and fauna (including fish) for sustainable utilisation.
·         To assess the economic and ecological value of wetlands to inform policy and planning.
·         To assess the linkages between the dynamics of ecosystem services and human well-being in wetlands
·         To discuss the effects of hydrological processes on the functioning of wetlands, particularly in relation to climate change,
·         To assess the socio-cultural, economic and environmental impacts of tourism on wetlands.
·         To examine how human activities (e.g. mining, agriculture, water diversion/ abstraction) affect wetland ecosystem functioning.
·         To analyse contemporary issues, opportunities and challenges (such as climate change, policy needs) in wetland sustainability and governance
·         To explore how research findings can be effectively communicated to stakeholders for sustainable management of wetlands.

Papers are invited on the subthemes outlined and others falling within the scope of the Conference.

1.      Wetlands Ecosystem Services and Human well-being:
2.      Economic valuation of Wetlands
3.      Wetlands hydrology: Biogeochemical cycling
4.      Wetlands ecological dynamics (macrophytes and macro-fauna)
5.      Biogeochemical cycling
6.      Anthropogenic transformation of wetland landscapes
7.      Management and conservation of wetlands fisheries
8.      Sustainable Tourism
9.      Wetland governance
10.  Knowledge translation, research communication, environmental education and extension in wetlands

PRACTICAL DETAILS

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES OF ABSTRACTS

1.      Abstracts should be in English(UK), no more than 200-250 words using Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins (top, bottom, and sides), and single spacing (demonstrating your adherence to the conference title).

2.      Abstracts should be written and formatted according to the guidelines of the APA Publication Manual (6th Edition).

3.      The following information should be included: abstract title, names and affiliations of all authors, and contact information (including phone and email) of the principal author

4.      Documents should be saved in Microsoft Word format.

5.      Abstracts should be submitted online or by email to kmosepele@ori.ub.bw

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR FULL PAPERS

1. Length: maximum 6000 - 7000 words (1.5) spaced typed pages with a font size of 12 (Times New Roman).
2. Content and structure: (1) Introduction, (2) Methods, (3) Results, (4) Conclusions and (5) References, with the aspects mentioned in the first paragraph included.
3. The following information should be included: abstract title, names and affiliations of all authors, and contact information (including phone and email) of the principal author
4. Documents should be saved in Microsoft Word format.
5. Full Papers should be submitted online or by email to: kmosepele@ori.ub.bw

COST OF PARTICIPATION

World Early Registration:      US$400           Students:                      US$200 Late Registration:       US$ 500     Students:                    US$250

SADC Early Registration:      $300 Late Registration:       $400

Botswana Based: Participants                                             Early Registration ALL=$90              Students=$60 Late Registration ALL=$100             Students=$80

Organizations Early Registration : $230 Late Registration :  $290

Special sessions Early Registration:      $700 Late Registration:       $900

Display stalls Early Registration:      $150 Late Registration:       $ 200

 

TIMELINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS & FULL PAPERS

ITEM	DUE DATE
Abstract submission	30 April 2014
Notification of acceptance to authors	15 May 2014
Submission of full manuscripts	30 June 2014

For Conference details visit :  www.ori.ub.bw/wetlands-symposium-2014

http://www.ub.bw/eventdet/tid/2235/Symposium-on-Sustainable-Use-of-Wetlands:-Challenges-of-Conservation-and-Management-in-Dynamic-Socio-Ecological-Systems/