The fresh and brackish water fish fauna of Africa is highly diversified and comprises over 3000 species belonging to about 90 families. These fishes inhabit a wide variety of habitats ranging from small temporary streams to large and permanently flowing rivers, from shallow marshlands to large deep lakes, in dry and wet climatic zones. In many African countries, fishes are a major source of protein and income generation. While in many regions capture fisheries are fully exploited, the development of aquaculture in Africa continues to lag behind its predicted potential. Despite its economic and social importance, the African fish fauna is exposed to many threats, most of which are of anthropogenic origin. The major causes of the loss of fish diversity are the fragmentation or destruction of habitats resulting from stream regulation, the introduction of alien species, the overexploitation of fish resources, and pollution. Much research has been, or is being, conducted on the fish and fisheries of the African continent. In order to access and share this growing body of scientific knowledge it was recognized that an international gathering bringing together scientists from all over the world was required. The first of such meetings took place in 1993 in Dakar, Senegal; the second in Grahamstown, South Africa in 1998; the third in Cotonou, Benin in 2003, the fourth in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2008. The fifth is due to take place on 16-20 September 2013 in Bujumbura, Burundi. This meeting will provide an opportunity for scientists from throughout Africa and around the world to come together, to get to know one another, exchange information and ideas, and to initiate collaborative studies. Several renowned scientists, young researchers and other stakeholders are expected to attend this important meeting. Representatives of the International Organizing Committee (see members above) met on 4-5 June 2012 in Bujumbura and set up the themes and the necessary dates and requirements for the organization of the meeting. The International Organizing Committee now seeks contributions to the Conference. Please enclose the title of your paper/poster and suggestions for workshop with your registration form. Abstracts should be sent before 30 April 2013. All abstracts will be refereed before final acceptance. The abstracts need to be in line with the following main themes of the conference. ... [Information of the supplier]
The proposed theme of the Conference will be “Bears and humans in the 21st century: challenges and solutions for a peaceful coexistence”. With this theme we aim to draw attention to the problems bears are facing in Greece, and hopefully garner public interest and support for their effective solution. The Conference theme is also representative of one of the major challenges for bears around the world: in midst of an enduring global financial crisis, national economies are reshaping and restructuring themselves in order to become more competitive and resilient in the new world of the 21st century. These structural changes have significant effects on the conservation of global biodiversity, including bears. From the effects of global warming on polar bears to the problems arising from bears living in the proximity of humans in Europe and North America, all bear species are affected by the new realities of the 21st century. Identifying these conflicts in a world that is changing rapidly will be the major step towards finding the solutions that will ultimately secure the survival of these species on a world-wide scale. The 23rd International Conference on Bear Research and Management aims to be a forerunner in this process by providing a meeting point and becoming the public outlet for the most experienced specialists in the field of bear research, conservation and management. ... [Information of the supplier]
