Organised by:                 Pragya Education and Environment Trust

in Partnership with:   National; Institute of Ecology
                                     Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board  and others 

The recently concluded United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), reaffirmed, among other things, "the intrinsic value of biological diversity, as well as the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic values of biological diversity and its critical role in maintaining ecosystems that provide essential services, which are critical foundations for sustainable development and human well-being". It also identified climate change as "one of the greatest challenges of our time".

The period 2011-2020 was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity. This year in October India is hosting the 11th COP of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hyderabad. Biodiversity. 

Recognising the crucial linkages between biodiversity, sustainable development, diverse pressures from developmental activities and human well being, as well as the projected impacts of climate change on biodiversity, a 3-day state-level Conference will be organised in Jaipur during 20-22 May 2013 to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the Conference is to focus, in depth, on all biodiversity related issues in the State of Rajasthan. Specifically, the Conference will aim at:
* an assessment of the biodiversity in different habitats and ecosystems of all climatic zones within the state,
* the linkages between biodiversity and ecosystem services that contribute to human well being,
* various threats to biodiversity including that from the projected climate change,
* the use and conservation of the State's biodiversity, and
* major legal and institutional aspects specific to the State.

The Conference will attempt to identify the needs for research and capacity building at all levels as well as the individuals and organisations which are willing and can be empowered to contribute to the Conservation of biodiversity for the State's sustainable development.

Despite a major focus on the State of Rajasthan, contributions from other states would be welcomed.
We expect participation from universities, colleges and research institutions, all concerned government departments and NGOs. Interested individuals, especially college students, are encouraged to participate without a formal scientific contribution.

Two interactive workshops will be organised especially for the younger researchers and students from colleges to educate them about the biodiversity issues and how they can get involved in biodiversity related activities and link them with other work at a local level.

We are sorry to say that DUE TO EXTREMELY POOR RESPONSE FROM THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY, the Conference has been downgraded to a ONE-DAY SEMINAR only on 22 May 2013.

SEE CALL FOR ABSTRACTS

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS: 29 April 2013