ARID ZONE ECOLOGY FORUM - VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

5 - 8 October 2020

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

Important information (downloadable)

Conference themes

We invite full and speed presentations on the following themes:

COVID-19 pandemic: implications for the arid zone

Keynote speaker: Prof. John Donaldson, Chief Director of Biodiversity Research, Assessment & Monitoring Division, SANBI

We welcome talks on the impacts of COVID-19 on research (e.g. scientific fieldwork, observations, etc.) and conservation efforts in the arid zone, possible environmental consequences of COVID-19, link between zoonotic diseases and illegal trade in wildlife, potential opportunities to improve the way conservation and arid zone research is carried out.

Reflecting on conservation progress in the Succulent Karoo

Keynote speaker: Dr Philip Desmet, consultant & researcher, ECOSOL GIS

Over the past 25 years the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust (LHSKT) has made substantial investments within the Succulent Karoo biome in an attempt to secure the biome’s unique biodiversity. We welcome talks from conservation practitioners and researchers, funded by the LHSKT or otherwise, working within the Succulent Karoo Biome to showcase achievements, discoveries, challenges, threats and opportunities for conservation and research across the region.

Poaching in the arid zone

Expanding on last year’s discussion on the species targeted by poachers, national policy and highlights/successes in the SA arid zone, we welcome presentations that elaborate on these, as well as further discussion on the economic drivers, international policy issues, and possible solutions.

Current research in the arid zone

Keynote speaker: Prof. David Ward, Professor of Plant Biology, Kent State University, Ohio (USA)

We welcome talks on the following broad topics: botany, zoology, rangeland and restoration ecology, arid-wetland biology, behavioural and reproductive ecology, human-wildlife conflict, social-ecological dimensions, and everything in between.

Sponsorship

There are a limited number of sponsorship opportunities available for postgrad students and non-students through the generous support of SAEON and other funders. Please indicate your interest in sponsorship on the registration form. Successful applicants will be notified individually.

Applications will close on 28 August 2020.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Registration

Please complete the online registration form before the relevant deadline.

Please ensure that your registration fee has been paid and that you have sent your proof of payment to Gill Murray (gill@azef.co.za)

Annual General Meeting

The AZEF Annual General Meeting will be held AFTER the conference, at a later date. Details will be sent to all delegates via email.

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ARID ZONE ECOLOGY FORUM