The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) has issued a call for papers for an international conference aimed at highlighting new research and community engagement on sustainable natural resource management and use. The conference will be held from December 5 – 8, 2011 in Accra, Ghana.
This four-day bilingual (French/English) conference is a landmark event focusing on evolving approaches, tools, methods and principles addressing the challenges associated with increasing natural resource use and sustainable development in Africa. It will feature keynote speakers from across the continent and from other parts of the world. The conference will also provide a space for creative exchange of ideas, for networking and for forging collaboration between African researchers, corporate leaders, policy makers, media, and civil society groups.
Conference Objectives:
1. Take stock of UNU-INRA’s achievements and accomplishments over the past 25 years and chart a new course for future research, training and capacity development in Africa;
2. Identify challenges and opportunities for research and collaboration with African universities, research institutions and the private sector for natural resource management in Africa;
3. Create the platform for dialogue and help mobilize African perspectives on the development of natural resources for the Rio +20 conference on sustainable development in 2012;
4. Forge links with the private sector in the context of judicious natural resource management.
Themes
1. Harnessing land and water resources
2. Developing biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services
3. Promoting and nurturing a Green Economy
4. Governing the extractive industries
The conference is focused on Africa and submissions from African research scientists and policy and decision makers are especially encouraged. However, contributors that address relevant experiences in the management of natural resources elsewhere are welcome. In addition to formal papers, UNU-INRA also encourages policy and decision makers, donors, researchers, NGOs and community representatives who have knowledge and experiences to share that enhance the conference’s objectives.
Deadline for submitting abstracts is 31 July 2011.
Deadline for submission of full papers (from selected abstracts) is 31 October 2011.
For further information and details, please visit the link.
