Predictions are that Southern and South-East Europe may be severely affected by climate change. There is a growing body of scientific evidence showing that the effects of climate change on biodiversity and the ‘goods and services’ that ecosystems provide are steadily increasing. There will be increasing problems for local and regional communities that depend on the services provided by ecosystems to sustain acceptable living conditions and welfare.

ECNC-European Centre fro Nature Conservation and REC-Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe are organizing a conference that aims to further increase the existing knowledge and awareness about the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services and to bring people together to establish ongoing dialogue and to take important steps towards solutions. The conference will identify and implement realistic solutions that will help maintain the quality of the biodiversity in the South-East European region.

The conference will focus on five countries in the South-East European region – Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey – but is definitely of interest to the wider region. It will bring together about 45 experts: representatives from NGOs, managers of protected areas, local authorities and policymakers. It will also draw on experts and expertise in other European countries and from international organizations.

The conference will be held in English. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in languages of the above-mentioned countries.

Travel costs, accommodation and subsistence will be provided for participants who require support in these areas.

The conference is part of a project funded by the AECID (Spanish International Cooperation Agency for Development) and led by ECNC in cooperation with REC. Here you will find more information about the project and the conference: http://www.ecnc.org/ImpactsOfClimateChan/Index_765.html .

If you wish to attend the conference, please contact Mrs Glynis van Uden (vanuden@ecnc.org) before Friday 16 May 2008. On receipt of your registration, more details regarding venue and other logistical information will be provided. Please be reminded that only expert organizations from the target countries will be able to participate.