GLP News

The Centre for Mountain Ecosystem Studies (CMES), together with the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) would like to invite contributions for the 2nd International Conference on Mountain Futures, with a focus on “Ecosystem Rhythms, Land Systems, and Sustainable Livelihoods”.

CMES will hold an Open Science Conference (June 6-7, 2018) in Kunming, Yunnan as part of a week-long series of activities which will include field visits in the terraced hills of southeastern Yunnan Province, and a Mountain Futures Film Festival. This scientific gathering will offer Mountain Futures professionals and practitioners, as well as representatives from indigenous communities, policymakers, and other mountain-based stakeholders a platform to present and disseminate evidence-based socio-ecological knowledge–innovations, practices, and technologies from mountain communities.

We invite authors of all disciplines to send us your abstracts for both oral and poster presentations along with your short biographies via our online submission form, before Friday, March 23, 2018. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words.

Authors will be notified of acceptance to the conference by April 06 2018 at the latest. 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 23, 2018

Please see Practical Info for the tentative conference schedule, estimated costs, important dates and other information for travel.

We welcome contributions on the following topics:

Ecosystem Rhythms

• Observing seasonal changes using traditional knowledge, beliefs and practices – how indigenous mountain communities understand change in ecosystems
• Mountain ecosystem responses to global pressures such as climate change
• Linking local indicators and knowledge systems for monitoring and managing ecosystems with scientific tools and data

Land Systems

• Changes in mountain land use due to global and local pressures including migration, climate change, shifts in international and local politics, the increased accessibility and commodification of resources, and large-scale land acquisitions by distant actors
• Examining approaches and methods to restore mountain landscapes to ecological health and productive use
• Developing agricultural systems, including agroforestry, which can secure improved livelihoods and safeguard the environment

Sustainable Livelihoods

• The role of gender in mountain out-migration, household and community dynamics, and mountain livelihoods
• Utilizing bio-resources for mountain communities – innovations for the sustainable use of untapped resources
• Promoting sustainable livelihoods through market and business solutions – developing market networks, information technologies, and farm + firm models