CONSERVATION: THE FUTURE
Magalies Park Conference Centre North-West Province South Africa
Sunday, 9 – Thursday, 13 October 2005
REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND CALL FOR PAPERS
INVITATION Dear Colleagues, The Farm Animal Conservation Trust (FACT), the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and Rare Breeds International (RBI) are pleased to invite you to the 6 th Global Conference on the Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources to be held in Magaliesburg, South Africa in October 2005. Past RBI global conferences have brought scientists and conservationists together with one common goal – the conservation of global farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) – and the proceedings of these meetings have become valuable references on the characterisation and management of animal genetic resources. The meetings have also exposed participants and institutions in the host country and region to subject matter specialists in a wide range of disciplines related to the management of FAnGR - and all have benefited in the process In this way, RBI has been able to facilitate communication with owners of animals at grassroots level – and with those concerned with the effective management and sustainable use of these resources. This conference is being held in a region that is rich in farm animal genetic resources – and comes at a time when the first report on the State of the Worlds Animal Genetic Resources (SOW) is nearing completion. FAO has facilitated the first comprehensive audit of FAnGr in many countries through the SOW process and has also highlighted the need for regional cooperation on issues such as value-adding through product and market development, protection of breeders and keepers rights and the critical importance of veterinary protocols to facilitate regional and global trade. The theme – Conservation:The Future – was chosen with these and other critical issues in mind and we will endeavour to accommodate all contributions, either as short papers or as posters. We look forward to meeting old friends and making new ones in the global FAnGR family and to the future of conservation through sustainable use
Keith Ramsay PRESIDENT: FACT
ORGANISERS In 1994 Rare Breeds International assisted with the establishment of an association for the conservation of early domesticated animals in southern Africa. The Farm Animal Conservation Trust (FACT) is a non-profit organization with many role players that include the Agricultural Research Council's Livestock Business Division, the National Department of Agriculture, National Cultural History Museum and universities. The Trust has promoted and facilitated the conservation of farm animal genetic resources of economic, scientific and cultural interest to agriculture in South Africa. THEME The theme for the 2005 Conference is: Conservation : The Future
AUDIENCE A wide audience of conservationists of farm animal genetic resources from around the world, including government representatives, university members and students, veterinary scientists, members of zoological / agricultural and production associations, biodiversity conservation experts, farm animal conservationists, private and public animal owners and breeders, geneticists, ecologists, commercial agriculturalists and providers of products and services are welcome. TOPICS th The 6 Global Conference on the Conservation of Farm Animal Genetic Resources will provide a forum for the interaction and exchange of information and ideas on all aspects of animal genetic resource conservation as a tool for sustainable development and will include a session sponsored by the FAO on the First Report on the State of the World Animal Genetic Resources. The following topics will be covered: - In situ and ex situ conservation - Research and application: farming for the future - Indigenous knowledge systems, IPR’s, access and benefit sharing of Farm Animal Genetic Resources - The family farm and conservation - Marketing rare breeds and products - Agricultural innovations involving indigenous animals and traditional farming practices - Breeders / keepers’ rights INVITED SPEAKERS The invited speakers include the following well-known scientists, all experts in their particular fields. Dr Ilse Kohler will address us on contemporary issues with particular relevance to the African continent on livestock keepers’ rights in the light of the KAREN commitment. To support the vision of this conference a paper will be delivered on the effect of performance recording and breed societies on genetic resources. Dr M M Scholtz, well known worldwide as an expert animal scientist will be the invited speaker on this topic. The renowned Dr J N B Shrestha from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will address the conference on the issue of the conservation and utilization of domestic animal genetic resources These invited papers are guaranteed to stimulate discussion on all levels relating to the conference theme - Conservation: the Future. LANGUAGE The official language of the Conference will be English. IMPORTANT DATES Deadline for abstract submissions Deadline for early registration Final date for registration
30 June 2005 31 August 2005 30 September 2005
SPONSORSHIP Would potential sponsors for this important international event be kind enough to contact: Conference Standing Committee Member Heleen Els Herd Health Onderstepoort Heleen.els@op.up.ac.za Phone: +27 12 529 8463 Fax: +27 12 529 8315 Official Conference Organiser Anelja de Bok Go Girl Events Email: Anelja@gogirlevents.co.za Phone: +27 11 781 8611 Fax: +27 11 781 8622
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME Sunday, 9 October 2005 12:00 Transfer from Johannesburg to Magalies Park 14:00 onwards Delegates check into the hotel 18:30 Welcome and registrataion Monday, 10 October 2005 09:00 Opening Ceremony 11:30 - 16:30 Scientific Sessions Tuesday, 11 October 2005 09:00 Scientific Sessions 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Study tour: Lesedi Cultural Village Wednesday, 12 October 2005 09:00 - 16:00 Scientific Sessions 19:00 Conference Gala Dinner at Magalies Park Thursday, 13 October 2005 09:00 Scientific Sessions 11:30 Closing Session 13:00 Lunch 14:00 Conference awards and prize giving 14:30 Delegates depart
For delegates who fly out of Johannesburg at a later date, comfort nights can be arranged in Sandton – Sandton Park Plaza Hotel. Day tours of Johannesburg and surrounding areas can be arranged on request.
SOCIAL EVENTS Exciting social events are planned during the conference for delegates and accompanying persons. Sunday, 9 October 2005 18:30 Welcome Cocktail Party Monday, 10 October 2005 17:30 Sundowner Cruise on the Hartebeespoort Dam (Optional) 20:00 Informal supper at Magalies Park Conference Centre Tuesday, 11 October 2005 14:00 Study Tour The mid-conference break will give delegates a chance to view indigenous sheep, goat, chicken and cattle breeds from the Southern African region, as well as experiencing tribal living at Lesedi Cultural Village.Cultural dinner feast at Lesedi Wednesday, 12 October 2005 19:00 Conference Gala Dinner at Magalies Park Thursday, 13 October 2005 14:30 Elephant Sanctuary
CONFERENCE VENUE The 6th Global Conference on the Conservation of Domestic Animal Genetic Resources will be held at the Magalies Park Conference Centre in Magaliesburg, North-West Province. Nestling at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, in a declared bird sanctuary, on the banks of the well known Hartbeespoort Dam, Magalies Park is one of South Africa's premier resorts. Conference Centre: The recently completed convention centre is situated on "River Bend" where lush lawns roll gently down to rippling waters and birdcalls ring clear. The relaxing ambience creates an atmosphere highly conducive to non-stress productivity and relaxation and provision is made by professional banqueting staff to meet all your requirements in a relaxing environment, a world away from the hustle of city life. Leisure activities: Practice your swing on the driving range or go all out on the challenging 18-hole (SAGU Rated) golf course. Jog, or hike the scenic trails. Sweat it out at tennis or volley ball; or laze around the swimming pools. Join a river cruise or take a canoe or paddle boat; play pool or go fishing, picnic or play giant chess, court cricket or mini golf. Accommodation: Accommodation includes chalets, cabanas and lodges with one, two or three bedroom units. Each unit includes one private bathroom, shower, fully equipped kitchen, lounge with satellite television (with a selection of DSTV channels), air-conditioning or ceiling fans, and a private patio. The accommodation on offer is of the highest standard. All the units are fully equipped and are serviced daily. Each unit is set in natural bush or grass parkland, which lends itself to the beauty of the surrounding area. The conference organisers will endeavour to place each delegate in their own room. Chalets will be allocated on a first pay first serve basis, starting with the one-bedroom chalets and ending with the three-bedroom chalets. Please note that the three-bedroomed chalets only have two bathrooms. WEBSITE: For more information, please visit the conference website:
http://www.ais.up.ac.za/vet/fact
Please check the website as it will be regularly updated with new information REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fees include: Attendance of the full conference programme, including evening social events Delegate bag and conference proceedings Accommodation from 9 – 13 October (4 nights, bed and breakfast) All meals as specified on the programme Participation in all social events, as specified on the programme (excluding Sundown Cruise) Early registration (before 31 July 2004) Registration Type Registration before 31 August 2005 R6 000.00 R4 500.00 R5 000.00 R3 500.00 R5 000.00 R3 500.00 Registration from 1 September 2005 R6 500.00 R4 900.00 R5 500.00 R3 900.00 R5 500.00 R3 900.00
Delegates International delegates (includes bus transfers from Johannesburg and sundowner cruise) SADC Delegates Students (proof from tertiary institution required) International students SADC students Accompanying persons Accompanying persons (includes day tours, social programme, sharing accommodation, transfers from Jhb) Accompanying persons (includes social programme, sharing accommodation, excludes day tours)
TRAVEL: Busses will be available to transport delegates from the Johannesburg International Airport or Sandton to Magalies Park Convention Centre on Sunday, 9 October(+2 hours drive), at 14:00. Bus transfers will also be available from Magalies Park to Sandton and the airport on 13 October 2005 at 14:30. Seats must be reserved via the registration form OPTIONAL SOCIAL EVENTS Sundown Cruise, on the Hartbeespoort Dam, Monday, 16:30 and 17:15 Enjoy 45 minutes cruising the Hartbeespoort dam at sunset with a complimentary drink and some snacks. Space is limited. Elephant Sanctuary, Thursday, 14:00 – 16:30, The Elephant Sanctuary offers an exciting, fully-comprehensive elephant experience. We offer an exclusive, 'hands-on', educationally-oriented experience with our 6 African Elephants: Mosadi, Khumba, Mvuso, Kitso, Kasper the big bull and of course the baby, Themba. Guests are guided in small groups on foot through the sanctuary. Guides will provide in-depth information and insight into African elephants. You will be introduced to the elephants in the forest and here you will be able to touch and interact with the elephants. You will see the special relationship that the elephant handlers share with their elephants and become a part of it. An experience not to be missed. Remember to wear flat walking shoes, sun hats and bring your camera. Space is limited. POST-CONFERENCE TOUR A post-conference tour has been identified for delegates who would like to stay on after the conference to experience more of this wonderful country. Kruger Park, Wildlife Safari (see conference website for more information) Day 1, 13 October 2005 Leave Magalies Park by lunch, take the N4 route toward Belfast. From here travel via the Lydenburg area to arrive in the late afternoon at a beautiful lodge situated in the Drakensburg Mountain range. Go on a game drive, time permitting. Day 2, 14 October 2005 Leave after breakfast and make a quick stop at Blyde River Canyon to see the spectacular Three Rondawels. From here onto the scenic Abel Erasmus Pass to a lodge situated between Tzaneen and Hoedspruit. In this untamed Garden of Eden the spoor of wildlife invites you to explore the timeless beauty of the bush: an oasis of unimaginable luxury providing the greatest vantage point to the Big Five and its vast, untouched wilderness. This 21 000 acre wildlife paradise is straddled between four rivers and is located 45 minutes from the world famous Kruger National Park. The camp is for those who seek a natural bush experience. Overnight camp in tents with magnificent views over the Makhutswi River. Tents are solar-powered and linked by lantern lit walkways creating a unique, oldworld charm. Each tent has toilet and hot shower facilities, a four-poster bed draped with protective mosquito nets and the iciest refreshments in a fully stocked cooler box. Tents are perched on wooden platforms under shady trees, with table and chairs on the veranda for your viewing pleasure. Day 3, 15 October 2005 Today the whole day is spent at the magnificent lodge, going on game drives to search for the Big Five, walking through vast wilderness or simply relaxing. There are two game drives, one early morning and the other late afternoon. A sumptuous African dinner can be enjoyed under the stars in the Boma, while the wildlife roam outside the camp and the roaring of lions echo through the night. Day 4, 16 October 2005 An early morning game drive before breakfast. After breakfast. bid our wildlife home goodbye and return to Johannesburg. On the way is a warm welcome on a farm in the Dullstroom area, known for sheep and game farming as well as trout. The farmer will discuss his whole farming operation with the group. After lunch return to Johannesburg.
Post Congress Tour: 4 Day Mpumalanga Tour Costs (Tented Camp on Private Reserve ) Description Local 4 Day Wildlife Tour – single R 6500.00 4 Day Wildlife Tour – sharing pp R 5200.00 Comfort night at Sandton Park Plaza (per night/bed & breakfast) R 700.00 Single Comfort night in Sandton Park Plaza (per night/bed & breakfast) – R 400.00 Sharing pp Airport Transfers pp/one-way – Sandton Park Plaza to Jhb Int Airport R 250.00
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS PROGRAMME: Monday, 10 October 2005 , Cradle of Humankind The Cradle of Humankind is a 47 000-hectare area in the western part of Gauteng Province with around 40 different fossil sites where several of the world's most famous and important fossils have been discovered. During this tour you will visit the Wonder Cave, one of the most beautifully naturally decorated caves in South Africa. Since its discovery only 100 years ago, few people have entered the Caves and it is thus relatively well preserved and virtually untouched. The tour is conducted on well-lit pathways where no crawling is necessary. Access to the underground cavern is by means of about 90 steps and then a lift. From there we will visit the Sterkfontein Caves, where In 1947 a well-preserved skull of a species of early man known as Plesianthropus trasvaalenssis was discovered. The skull became known as Mrs. Ples, dating back 2.5-million years. A section of the caves is visited on an hour long guided tour and the excavation site can be viewed. We will also visit the Rhino & Lion Park that is home to over 700 head of game including white rhino, lion, buffalo, cheetah, wild dog, hippo and crocodile. Their newly built breeding centre houses Bengal and Syberian tigers, jaguars and white lions Tuesday, 11 October 2005, Leisure Morning at leisure and join the Lesedi tour in the afternoon Wednesday, 12 October 2005 ,Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Sun City This tour includes air-conditioned transport from Magallies Park to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Encircling this unique area are four rings of hills; a geological fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic action some 1,2 billion years ago. The Park boasts healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo – Africa’s Big Five. After a game drive visit the famous Sun City Resort. After a panoramic tour of Sun City enjoy the resort before returning to Magalies Park. Thursday, 13 October 2005 Morning excursion to the Hartbeespoort dam area and the traditional craft market for some last minute shopping. Enjoy a cable car ride over the dam and visit the animal park before returning to Magalies Park. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CONFERENCE PLEASE CONTACT: The Conference Organiser Go Girl Events (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 11 781 8611 P O Box 736 Fax: +27 11 781 8622 Douglasdale E-mail: anelja@gogirlevents.co.za 2165 SOUTH AFRICA
CALL FOR PAPER / POSTERS
Participants wishing to present a paper or poster are kindly invited to submit their proposal in English on the stipulated topics by 30 June 2005 to: The Conference Coordinator ARC Animal Improvement Institute Private Bag X2 IRENE 0062 SOUTH AFRICA E-mail: akotze@arc.agric.za Fax: +27 12 6729214 Tel: +27 12 6729027 The requested abstract should include: - The name and complete address of the author(s) - The institution / organization (if any) - The title of the contribution - 5 key words - An abstract of 400 words - List of references - Arial Font, size 10 Contributions to the Conference may be oral or poster presentations. Oral presentations to be presented in English. Time allocation: 15 minutes. Data projectors will be available. Poster presentations to be presented in English. Authors must submit the abstracts in digital format 1) as an e-mail attachment or 2) a diskette or CD with the text of the proposal in Word format. Contributing abstracts will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee and published in the conference proceedings.