Announcement: Arid Zone Ecology Forum Conference 2011

This year’s theme, “Interactions in the Arid Zone”, will highlight the underlying complexity and interdependence of ecological systems and social dynamics. Topics and thematic areas will include Climate Change, Pollination Biology, Fire, Land use, Policy and Conservation, Invasive Biology, Plant-Animal Interactions, Livelihoods and the Environment.

The SAEON Arid Lands Node is proud to be co-funding the Arid Zone Ecology Forum (AZEF) Conference, which will be held in Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape from 3-6 October.

This year’s theme, “Interactions in the Arid Zone”, was inspired by the unique biological wealth of the Bokkeveld Plateau, the scene of this year’s conference. The theme will highlight the underlying complexity and inter-dependence of ecological systems and social dynamics.

Topics and thematic areas will include Climate Change, Pollination Biology, Fire, Land use, Policy and Conservation, Invasive Biology, Plant-Animal Interactions, Livelihoods and the Environment.

Contributions in the form of platform papers of 15 minutes (12 minutes for presentation and 3 minutes for questions/discussion) are invited. Posters will be presented in the form of a five-minute speed presentation (three PowerPoint slides) with time for questions at the end of the session. All titles must reach the secretariat via email no later than 1 July 2011. All abstracts must reach the secretariat via email no later than 12 August 2011.

Field trips will be held on Wednesday 5 October 2011. Details of the field trips have yet to be finalised, but the organisers anticipate expert-guided excursions to the following local attractions: Hantam National Botanical Garden, Kokerboom Forest, Knersvlakte (dwarf succulents) and the Avontuur Conservation Area.

For further information on the guest speakers, preliminary programme and field trips, view the AZEF website.

Download the registration form.