Main topics
The conservation and management of ponds is a complex issue requiring knowledge and experience, particularly in the context of the many challenges facing the wider water environment. This conference will bring together researchers, managers, environmental planners, policy makers and other stakeholders to share their knowledge, experience and questions about these important water bodies.
The conference will be organised in nine oral sessions and up to four workshops. This format will allow a complete coverage of contemporary issues in pond science, conservation and management.
The following topics will be covered during the conference:
Pond ecology
- from abiotic and biological interactions to ecosystem functions
- functioning of temporary ponds
- pond typology and their uses
- seldom investigated areas and pond types
Ponds in the landscape
- ponds as stepping stones
- methods of pond landscape analysis - GIS, remote sensing
- important Areas for Ponds (IAP) - role of ponds as biological hotspots
- ecosystem services
Ponds and society
- history of pond creation and uses
- influencing and involving stakeholders
- education on functioning, value and wise use
Global change impacts on ponds
- pollution and drainage
- climate change
- biological invasions
Pond protection
- methods of ecological monitoring and quality assessment
- conservation, management and creation
- decision aids for pond users, policy and legislation
There will be a special session of the international project Pondscape.