QUESTIONSInternational Conference on Environmental Education (EE) and Sustainability: Challenges and Best Pr (Best of Both Worlds)
Venue: The Farm Inn, Wildlife Estate & Conference Venue
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| Event Date/Time: Jul 23, 2008 | |
| Abstract Submission Date: Nov 06, 2008 | |
| Paper Submission Date: Mar 01, 2009 |
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Keynote speakers will be:
Dr Tony Shallcross
Manchester Metropolitan University in England
Dr Ulrich Oberprieler
National Zoo in Pretoria
Dr Razeena Omar
South Africa National Parks
Prof Heila Lotz-Sisitka
Rhodes University
Speakers
Several other prominent and experienced speakers and EE and sustainability specialists with vast experience in conducting EE will be featured in the Conference.
Introduction
The importance of the environment and its link to development and quality of human life, were first discussed at an international level at the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment in 1972. The socio economic divide between western (developed) and developing nations, more often referred to as first and third worlds was again highlighted in the Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002. A coherent approach is needed for these “worlds†to work together to find better solutions to our environmental problems. However, the environmental education community may also be devided into more `worlds’ such as North and South, rich and poor, dark green and light green, etc.
These concerns underpin the challenge faced globally, but especially by developing countries in Asia and the South. The idea of a “best of both worlds†collaborative conference initially arose in Malaysia and South Africa and later received support from the United Kingdom. A common feature shared amongst these countries was their concerns relating to the vulnerability of their rich biodiversity, the historical-cultural links amongst the countries and the rapid changes that are occuring in the biophysical and social contexts in developing countries. Urbanization and its associated effects such as loss of biodiversity, degradation in the quality of life, public transportation woes, waste management issues, rural-urban migration and other challenges abound.
Educators and EE practitioners are constantly challenged and presented with the need to formulate innovative teaching approaches in order to address these issues.
The convening of a third international Best of Both Worlds Conference is in support of the UN’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) initiative. Five years into the Decade, this conference is as a forum for practitioners, teachers and those involved in education and communications to meet and share experiences in strengthening the framework for sustainable living.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Conference is to create an opportunity to share international experiences in conducting effective EE practices. In addition, the Conference seeks to:
• Share experiences and demonstrate innovative approaches in EE and sustainability effectively.
• Develop and strengthen networks and strategic alliances to encourage active participation of all stakeholders.
• To showcase best practices and success stories.
Working Themes – Strands
The conference aims to focus on aspects that are encompassed by the conference theme Environmental Education (EE) and Sustainability:Challenges and Best Practices.
Proposals for papers and poster presentations should address one or more of them.
• Institutional and organisational practices
• Innovations and progress
• Community-based experiences
• Sustainability and the youth
• Education and training opportunities in higher education
Call for Contributions
Individuals or organizations interested to make presentations are encouraged to forward their abstracts in English to the Secretariat by not later than Monday 6 November 2008.
A proposal should include the following information:
• Name of proposer(s)
• Title and academic position
• Organizational affiliation
• Mailing address
• Email address
The proposed contribution should be presented as follows:
• Title of the paper or poster
• Format (paper or poster)
• Abstract (max. 500 words)
• Working theme/Strands
The local organizing committee and the academic board will referee the proposals. The authors will be informed about the acceptability of their proposals by 15 December 2008. Proposals can be submitted via email to adamsja@unisa.ac.za or by post to:
Who should attend.
The organisers would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all practitioners of EE involved in school, tertiary or adult education. The conference seeks to engage educators, researchers, government officials, academicians, tour agents, protected areas and resource managers, decision / policy makers, property developers, NGOs and individuals involved in promoting environmental awareness and communications.
NB. Unfortuntely the conference will be limited to 150 delegates.
Dr Tony Shallcross
Manchester Metropolitan University in England
Dr Ulrich Oberprieler
National Zoo in Pretoria
Dr Razeena Omar
South Africa National Parks
Prof Heila Lotz-Sisitka
Rhodes University
Speakers
Several other prominent and experienced speakers and EE and sustainability specialists with vast experience in conducting EE will be featured in the Conference.
Introduction
The importance of the environment and its link to development and quality of human life, were first discussed at an international level at the Stockholm Conference on Human Environment in 1972. The socio economic divide between western (developed) and developing nations, more often referred to as first and third worlds was again highlighted in the Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002. A coherent approach is needed for these “worlds†to work together to find better solutions to our environmental problems. However, the environmental education community may also be devided into more `worlds’ such as North and South, rich and poor, dark green and light green, etc.
These concerns underpin the challenge faced globally, but especially by developing countries in Asia and the South. The idea of a “best of both worlds†collaborative conference initially arose in Malaysia and South Africa and later received support from the United Kingdom. A common feature shared amongst these countries was their concerns relating to the vulnerability of their rich biodiversity, the historical-cultural links amongst the countries and the rapid changes that are occuring in the biophysical and social contexts in developing countries. Urbanization and its associated effects such as loss of biodiversity, degradation in the quality of life, public transportation woes, waste management issues, rural-urban migration and other challenges abound.
Educators and EE practitioners are constantly challenged and presented with the need to formulate innovative teaching approaches in order to address these issues.
The convening of a third international Best of Both Worlds Conference is in support of the UN’s Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD) initiative. Five years into the Decade, this conference is as a forum for practitioners, teachers and those involved in education and communications to meet and share experiences in strengthening the framework for sustainable living.
Objectives
The primary objective of the Conference is to create an opportunity to share international experiences in conducting effective EE practices. In addition, the Conference seeks to:
• Share experiences and demonstrate innovative approaches in EE and sustainability effectively.
• Develop and strengthen networks and strategic alliances to encourage active participation of all stakeholders.
• To showcase best practices and success stories.
Working Themes – Strands
The conference aims to focus on aspects that are encompassed by the conference theme Environmental Education (EE) and Sustainability:Challenges and Best Practices.
Proposals for papers and poster presentations should address one or more of them.
• Institutional and organisational practices
• Innovations and progress
• Community-based experiences
• Sustainability and the youth
• Education and training opportunities in higher education
Call for Contributions
Individuals or organizations interested to make presentations are encouraged to forward their abstracts in English to the Secretariat by not later than Monday 6 November 2008.
A proposal should include the following information:
• Name of proposer(s)
• Title and academic position
• Organizational affiliation
• Mailing address
• Email address
The proposed contribution should be presented as follows:
• Title of the paper or poster
• Format (paper or poster)
• Abstract (max. 500 words)
• Working theme/Strands
The local organizing committee and the academic board will referee the proposals. The authors will be informed about the acceptability of their proposals by 15 December 2008. Proposals can be submitted via email to adamsja@unisa.ac.za or by post to:
Who should attend.
The organisers would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all practitioners of EE involved in school, tertiary or adult education. The conference seeks to engage educators, researchers, government officials, academicians, tour agents, protected areas and resource managers, decision / policy makers, property developers, NGOs and individuals involved in promoting environmental awareness and communications.
NB. Unfortuntely the conference will be limited to 150 delegates.
Venue
Additional Information
Pre and Post Conference field trips
• Africansky at www.africansky.com
Luxury tours to venues such as the Kruger National Park and Cape Town.
• Ulysses at www.ulysses.co.za or Tel: +27 12 663 4941
Other local tours
• Airport shuttles, contact Jo-Anne Adams at adamsja@unisa.ac.za or Tel: +27 429 4525
CATEGORY INTERNATIONAL
(outside SADC region) LOCAL
(RSA and SADC)
Early Bird full board (single)
(June - December 2008) USD 550 R4000 (per person)
Early Bird full board (sharing)
(June - December 2008) USD 530 (per person) R3800
Early bird day fee
(June - December 2008) USD85 (per day) R600 (per day)
Full board (single)
(After 1 January 2009) USD 600 R4500
Full board (Sharing)
After 1 January 2009) USD 550 (per person) R4100 (per person)
Day fee
(After 1 January 2009) USD100 (per day) R750 (per day)
Fees
• Full board will include conference package, accommodation, teas, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• The day fee will be applicable to participants who arrange own accommodation or come through for a day and will include the conference package, teas and lunch.
• Should a participant share a room with his/her spouse a special fee for the spouse will be negotiated.
The registration fee covers luxury single accommodation, conference kits, background materials, tea/coffee breaks and all meals during the conference as well as complimentary exhibition space. The fee includes the cost of accommodation and all meals, but not travel and pre/post conference tours.
Banking detail will follow.
Cancellations of registration must be in writing to the conference organiser. 50% of the registration fee will be forfeited on cancellations made before 30 January 2009. No refunds will be made after this date.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Only 86 rooms are available at the conference venue, this will be dealt with in a first book and pay manner.
• Other accommodation nearby, will be recommended.
If you require more information, please contact:
Conference Organiser:
Jo-Anne Adams
Department of Teacher Education
University of South Africa
Tel: +27 12 429 4525
Cell: +27 72 622 3955
Fax: +27 86 634 4079
E-mail: adamsja@unisa.ac.za
Website: www.unisa.ac.za/bestofbothworlds
Timeline
Closing date for call for proposals: 6 November 2008
Notification of acceptance of proposal: 21 November 2008
Draft programme 30 January 2009
Registrations open: 21 November 2008
Registrations close (Early bird): 12 December 2008
Registrations close (Normal): 31 January 2009
Conference date: 19-22 April 2009
Completed paper: 1 March 2009
Format of completed paper: Ms Word, Arial 10, Margins 2.5cm
