About the Meeting

The 2011 Arusha meeting is a joint meeting between two leading tropical biology and conservation organisations, the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) and the Africa Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB Africa). 

The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC)

ATBC is the world’s largest professional society devoted to enhancing global understanding of tropical biology and tropical conservation. It was founded in 1963 to promote research and to foster the exchange of ideas among biologists working in tropical environments. ATBC has grown into a truly global organization with members from over 60 countries. ATBC annual meetings are hosted in different locations each year, drawing 500-800 delegates from around the world. The 2011 meeting in Arusha will be 48th Annual Meeting of the Association. It will also be the first time that an annual ATBC meeting takes place in Africa.

The Society for Conservation Biology Africa Section (SCB Africa)

SCB launched its Africa Section in 2001. SCB Africa now has an active membership of over 500 individuals globally. In 2007, the Africa Section launched its Africa Section Communications/Mentoring Program (funded by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation). The program goal is to increase the capacity of African student conservation biologists to publish and disseminate their research in international peer-reviewed journals and establish careers in conservation biology for more young African scientists, especially women. The African Conservation Telegraph (ACT) is a newsletter of the Section. This year's meeting will be the 2nd Regional Meeting of SCB Africa.

The Meeting Theme

 “Adaptability to Climate Change and Attaining the Millennium Development Goals for Tropical Ecosystems”

Numerous international initiatives exist dedicated to improve the human condition in the tropics, to mitigate the effects of climate change and to conserve Earth’s biodiversity. The meeting will focus special attention on United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Kyoto Protocol (1997) and the Cancun Accords (2010).

The theme for the Arusha 2011 meeting is designed to enhance discussions on how poverty issues in tropical ecosystems and proposed climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies can be integrated into ongoing and future conservation and research efforts. 

The Arusha  2011 meeting will occur in the International Year of Forests (United Nations). The meeting can join forces in raising awareness and strengthening sustainable forest management, conservation, and sustainable development for the benefit of current and future generations.