The first Latin American Landscape Ecology Conference (2009 Latin American IALE Conference). Campos do Jordão, São Paulo State, Brazil.
This event results from the effort of several researchers who, since 2003 World IALE Conference in Darwin (Australia), have worked for the establishment of the International Association for Landscape Ecology (IALE) in Latin America.
Facing all the peculiarities of Latin American countries and the complexity involved in establishing a single Latin America IALE chapter, up to date, only Argentina and Brazil have formally launched the first IALE chapters within the region (respectively ASADEP-IALE and IALE-BR). In this sense, the 2009 Latin America IALE Conference is a call for regional exchange among all Latin American countries hoping that more countries will follow this initiative.
Introduction
Latin America presents new challenges to Landscape Ecology due to its large heterogeneity of environmental conditions, from deserts to tropical forests, from the Andes to the coastal plains, from Equatorial to Polar Regions. In addition, there is a wide diversity of socio-economic and cultural conditions, merging several indigenous native cultures with European, African and Asian influences. Within this context, understanding human imprints of the living space through time, and its relationships between spatial patterns and ecological processes -the main research topics in Landscape Ecology -can reveal new paths to the conceptual development of Landscape Ecology. The Landscape Ecological perspective may also help to define sustainable strategies for biological conservation and socio-economic sustainability in the scenario of climate global changes, which particularly affect the region.
Objectives
- To encourage research development and consolidation on Landscape Ecology in Latin America by approaching and integrating researchers;
- To facilitate the creation of new IALE chapters in Latin America, establishing tools to integrate their actions;
- To search for adequate solutions to Latin American territories, in order to ensure biological conservation and environmental sustainability;
- To promote technical and scientific exchange between Northern and Southern researchers and educators.
Expected results
We aim to establish and strengthen interactions among Landscape Ecology researchers, educators, students and practitioners. The main expected result is the setting up of a network of experts in the subject with a particular interest on related applications and problems within the Latin American context.
Preliminary program
The core theme of the 2009 Latin American IALE Conference is: “Landscape Ecology in Latin America: Challenges and Perspectives”
Exchanges on a variety of subjects are expected, including:
- Spatial and temporal patterns of ecological diversity
- Native forest fragmentation and Biodiversity loss: Impacts on ecological processes
- Landscape valuation and strategies for the conservation and management of species
- Connectivity in terrestrial and aquatic environments
- Perspectives of grasslands and savannas landscapes studies in Latin America
- Integrated (socio-economic and ecological) strategies for the restoration of fragmented landscapes
- Climatic changes and their effects on landscape function and structure
- Cultural landscapes in Latin America
- Integrated monitoring and planning based on Landscape Ecology principles
- Ecological and socio-economic aspects for the sustainability of Latin American landscapes
- Theories and methods for the analysis of spatio-temporal changes in land use/land cover driven by human pressures
- Development of methods and techniques in Landscape Ecology with particular focus on tropical environments
- Valuation of ecosystem services at the landscape level
- Debate on Research priorities for Landscape Ecology in Latin America
- Teaching strategies and building capacity for Landscape Ecology in Latin America
During the three-day conference (4 -7 October 2009) 100 to 140 oral communications are expected, arranged in round-tables and symposia. In addition, around 100 posters are expected. Three key note speakers will be invited. Three field excursions to nearby strategic locations will allow a first contact with the landscapes of the Mantiqueiramountain range. A plenary session will be organized to discuss strategies of regional development, research integration and research priorities and applications for Landscape Ecology in Latin America.