Ecosystem Services in the Neotropics: State of the Art and Future Challenges

Valdivia, Chile, 13-19 November 2006

This is the first international workshop dedicated to the analyses of ecosystem services such as water production, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and recreation in the tropical and temperate areas of Latin America and the Caribbean, from Mexico to Patagonia. Special emphasis will be given to the exchange of knowledge and experiences, and to the promotion of learning, research, collaboration and networking. This workshop will include key invited lectures, presentations, posters, and field visits to the Valdivian Rainforest Eco-region.

Topics related to ecosystem services from forests and other terrestrial and aquatic systems that will be covered are:

· Assessment of services

· Transdisciplinary methods and approaches

· Impacts of climate change and disturbances

· Economic valuation

· Policy and planning

· Education and outreach

· Restoration

· Social and cultural issues.

One of the goals of this workshop will be the creation of a “Latin American Network on Ecosystem Services” to pursue collaboration on research, education, management and outreach on these topics. The network will be open to people from any nationality working in the neotropics.

The event will be organized by FORECOS, a Scientific Nucleus from the “Universidad Austral de Chile” dedicated to research, education and outreach on Forest Ecosystem Services to Aquatic Systems. This Nucleus aims at the development of transdisciplinary research through the integration of various disciplines, forest and aquatic ecology and biogeochemistry, hydrology, stratigraphy, dendroclimatology, silviculture, aquaculture, economics and science communication. FORECOS is part of the Millennium Scientific Initiative funded by the Chilean Ministry of Planning (MIDEPLAN).

To receive further information concerning the conference, please fill out the form at: http://www.forecos.net/neotropics or email: neotropicsworkshop@forecos.net .

Source: Cambridge Conservation Forum newsletter

I hope this is of your interest. Regards,

Jorge Brenner