SUSTAINING CULTURAL AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD: LESSONS FOR GLOBAL POLICY

Call For Participation

In April 2008, the American Museum of Natural History will host a four-day Symposium, “Sustaining Cultural and Biological Diversity in a Rapidly Changing World: Lessons for Global Policy.” Organized by the Museum’s Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, IUCN-The World Conservation Union/Theme on Culture and Conservation, and Terralingua, the Symposium will explore the links between biological and cultural diversity and their policy implications. The Symposium’s goals will be to synthesize existing knowledge about the interactions between cultural, biological, and linguistic diversity and to provide a forum for sharing data, recommendations, and accessible information among educators, students, practitioners, policy makers, and the general public. Its content and activities will be designed with concrete outputs and products in mind to prompt future action. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the various biological and cultural processes that produce and regulate environmental knowledge and practices in different social, political, and economic contexts around the world. Participants will report on and discuss issues and priorities, challenges and opportunities.

How to Participate in the Conference

A series of collaborative events and activities will be organized—before, during, and after the April Symposium—to promote discussion and the exchange of information, ideas, and experiences. We welcome all interested parties to submit proposals in the following categories:

Voices from Around the World – Submit written or visual responses to a series of questions concerning the links between your own culture and the natural world. Accepted submissions will be posted on this website, and may also be highlighted at a special presentation during the Symposium. [Submissions in this category do not require that the individuals involved attend the April Symposium.]

Panel Discussions – Host a panel discussion (up to 60 minutes) on a topic related to the Symposium’s main themes. A meeting space will be provided, with equipment for Powerpoint or slide projection.

Ubuntu Discussions – Host a discussion or workshop on a topic related to the Symposium’s main themes. The Museum’s communal Ubuntu space provides a gathering place where groups can meet to discuss issues, exchange views, and forge partnerships and alliances in informal clusters.

Poster Session – Submit a poster abstract for inclusion in the Symposium’s Poster Session.
Please click on individual links for detailed information about each participation option.

Deadlines for submissions

Voices from Around the World February --- 11, 2008

Panel Discussions --- December 15, 2007

Ubuntu Discussions --- December 15, 2007

Poster Session DEADLINE EXTENDED --- January 15, 2008

How do I submit a proposal to participate in the Conference?

1. Review the details and deadlines associated with the event to which you wish to contribute (click on specific contribution sections, listed above).

2. Review the Criteria for Selection list, to help focus your proposal.

3. Download and fill out the requested information in the Call for Participation Application Form. This form is available in both MS Word and PDF formats. The form can also be submitted electronically.

4. Submit the form by email to the Symposium Coordinator, Ms. Fiona Brady, at brady@amnh.org, or via fax to (01)1-212-769-5292.

What happens to my proposal after it is submitted?

When your proposal is received, it will be acknowledged and forwarded to the appropriate team established to guide development of each component. All contributions will be assessed according to agreed-upon criteria. Criteria for Selection.

You will be informed by email about the Selection Committee’s decision regarding your proposed contribution. The program for all events will be posted on the Symposium website shortly thereafter.

While every effort will be made to accommodate your contribution, please note that not all proposals will be included due to the limits of time and space during the Symposium.

Please Note: All Symposium participants are responsible for funding their own involvement (airfare, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses). No funding is available from the Symposium’s organizers.