Thank you to our Sponsors

Ernest Oppenheimer & Son (Pty) Ltd & Diamond Route: The Diamond Route is a massive national project which focuses on linking the conservation properties of the Oppenheimer family and De Beers. These properties conserve vast conservation areas and provide a safe haven for a wide variety of unique, rare and ecologically important plants and wildlife and provide endless photographic opportunities. These properties are open to the public who are encouraged to explore this wealth of tourism opportunities. Visit the website or contact Duncan MacFadyen, Manager of Research and Conservation.

SAEON: South African Environmental Observation Network

McGregor Museum

Africa Geographic & BirdLife South Africa

Northern Cape Tourism Authority

Sponsor the 45th Annual Congress

The main theme is Sustainable and adapative practices in range and pasture systems, with an emphasis on arid regions although a WIDE range of themes will be covered during the Congress. The final programme is now available to download. Click read more.

• Platform Presentation Guidelines
  
• Poster Presentation Guidelines

Keynote Speakers

Professor Richard Cowling will be the first Keynote Speaker opening the Congress on the morning of Tuesday 20 July 2010 with a plenary address entitled An extraordinary desert – the Succulent Karoo in a global context. Prof Cowling is a Research Professor at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. His research interests include plant evolutionary patterns and processes in species-rich regions such as the succulent karoo, fynbos and thicket biomes as well as mainstreaming conservation plans via social marketing. He has published widely and received many awards acknowledging his dedication to science and the environment.

Professor Christo Fabricius will follow with a plenary keynote address for the Community Based Natural Resource Management and Eco-Tourism session entitled Building the adaptive capacity of farmers on the threshold. Prof Fabricius is a Professor and Campus Principal at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in George, South Africa. He specializes in Complex Systems Management and leadership for transformation. His principal research focus is environment poverty alleviation and social-ecological resilience. He is a member of several important international committees, including the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management, the World Commission on Protected Areas; and the bioSustainability project of Diversitas.

The Congress will be held at the Tabernakel in Kimberley.

Accommodation will not be included in the Congress package. However, we are organising a block booking at two hotels which are next to each other and close to the venue. All delegates are encouraged to stay at these venues to facilitate after hours Congress networking.

Horseshoe Motel This is where the Gala Dinner will be held

Airport Hotel This is next door to the Horseshoe Motel

The Northern Cape Tourism Authority have compiled several tour options for Congress delegates to choose from. There are a large variety of one day tours, as well as several three to four day options to choose from.

In addition, Riaan Dames, North West Provincial Government: Department Agriculture, Conservation, Environment and Rural Development, will be leading a post-Congress tour, Extensive Rangeland Beef Prduction on the weekend following the Congress.

Click here to register online

OR

Click here to download the registration form

1. Payments may be made by cheque, credit card or electronic transfer to Nedbank Cheque Account 1343011299 Cascades Branch No 134325 Swift Code NEDSZAJJ.
2. All costs include VAT. Foreign delegates should request an invoice before payment to determine correct amount.
3. Early bird registrations must be paid in full by 31 March 2010, thereafter normal registration fees will apply.
4. Normal registrations should be paid in full by 9 July 2010.
5. The congress organisers reserve the right to charge a cancellation fee on all registrations cancelled after 30 June 2010.
6. Registration fees exclude accommodation. A list of possible accommodation near the venue is available on the website.

NOTE: Due to increased venue and catering costs, the registration fees have had to be increased by R200 for Early Bird registration and R400 for Normal registrations.

The Peter Edwards Award for the Best Conservation Farmer is presented each year to a land-user situated in the area in which the Congress is held. The Award is presented in recognition of the sound application and practise of the principles of range and forage science and conservation. The aim of the Award is to recognise top land-users in different areas of southern Africa and thereby encourage the wise use of natural resources.

Please download the Nomination Form.