Take part in the National Wetlands Indaba 2012
Plans for the 2012 National Wetlands Indaba are already underway. This year’s event will be held at the Klein-Kariba Resort and Conference Centre in Bela-Bela (Warmbaths), Limpopo from 23 to 26 October 2012. Hosting the event is the Limpopo Wetland Forum (LWF) in partnership with the Capricorn District Municipality; Centre for Wetland Research and Training; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Friends of Nylsvley; Lepelle Northern Water; Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment & Tourism; South Africa National Biodiversity Institute; South African National Parks; and the Waterberg District Municipality, as well as the Agriculture Research Council – Institute for Soil Climate and Water.
Theme
The event will focus on the theme, “THE ROLE OF WETLANDS IN A GREEN ECONOMY”, with sub-themes of wetlands and communities; mining, agriculture and rehabilitation; inventory and monitoring; biodiversity conservation; and wetland ecosystem services. This year’s Wetland Indaba is expected to be attended by over 200 delegates, including scientists, students, practitioners, decision makers and experts involved in research and various other efforts aimed at rehabilitating and conserving wetlands and managing water resources. Different sectoral departments dealing with water, environment, agriculture, and national, provincial and local spheres of government, who work together in managing wetlands, will also take part.
Purpose of Indaba
The Indaba serves as a platform to discuss and exchange information and give feedback on numerous projects happening throughout the country. It is one of various initiatives designed to promote cooperation around the management of natural resources, a central part of South Africa’s obligations as a member of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
This annual event, which was incepted nine years ago in 2002, has grown from strength to strength having initially consisted of about 15 people. It has since developed into a significant event that is now attended by up to 300 delegates.
Call for Abstracts & Workshop Submissions
The NWI organising committee is extending its invitation to all relevant stakeholders and partners who are interested in participating in the National Wetlands Indaba programme. Below are some of the topics that are included in the programme.
- Poster presentation.
- Oral presentation (12 minutes + 3 minutes for questions).
- Wetlands in a Green Economy. Biodiversity and Conservation.
- Wetland Ecosystem Services.
- Communities, Environment and Industries.
- Wetlands and Tourism.
- Wetland Rehabilitation—Agriculture and Mining to Conservation.
- Wetland Inventory, Delineation and Monitoring.
Please submit all subsmission to Piet-Louis Grundling at peatland@mweb.co.za
NB: Full time students (doing oral presentations) may qualify for a 100% discount on student accommodation. Students, please submit, with your abstract, proof of University registration and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor,
The closing date for the submissions is 31 August 2012.
Registration
The registration fee is R1500 for everyone except for students it is R1000. More details are on the conference website: www.wetlands.za.net/indaba2012. Registration can be done online.
Accommodation
For accommodation, please contact Adrienne Botha, NWI 2012 Conference Secretariat.
E-mail: umklewulodge@gmail.com
Tel: 014 717 4014
Field Trips
The National Wetlands Indaba organising committee has organised a very interesting programme, which also consists of a choice of mid-conference field trips that are scheduled for Wednesday, 24 October 2012.
There will also be a post conference overnight field trip to Marakele, Mapungubwe and Kruger National Park from Friday, 26 October to Saturday, 3 November. Space is limited and will be allocated on a first come first served policy, so hurry up, as only 15 seats are available.
NB: Estimated cost for this trip is R2 100 per person (excluding transport).
For more information on the 2012 National Wetlands Indaba please go to the conference website.
See you there!
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