IUFRO-SPDC Pre-Conference Training Workshop on:

Organized in conjunction with the IUFRO Scientific Meeting on “Plant Invasion and Forest Ecology: Concerns and Solutions” (Working Parties 8.02.04 and 4.02.02)

Venue
Panjab University
Chandigarh, India
14-15 March 2009

Organised by IUFRO’s Special Programme for Developing Countries (IUFRO-SPDC) in cooperation with the Centre of Environment & Department of Botany, Panjab University, and in association with the Dayanand National Academy of Environmental Sciences.

The workshop brought together 22 participants from 6 countries in Asia (Bangladesh, India, Iran, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand), and 3 countries in Africa (Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa). All participants are – in one way or another – involved in research and academic education related to species invasion and forest ecology. In addition, they wish to increase the impact of their scientific work on policy making (i.e., research, advocacy, supervision etc.) through adequate contribution of research results and scientific knowledge to policy-making processes. In the context of the conference theme on invasive species this is of particular importance. The threat by invasive species to biodiversity and environmental services in many regions is a major concern to the science community and policy makers alike.

Besides generating scientific information of high standard related to plant invasion and forest ecology, it is equally important to adequately inform policy levels as well as interact with policy makers so as to effectively shape regulatory and economic framework conditions for preventing irreversible damage to the environment.

The Workshop Report is now available for download.