EPCN Workshops
Every two years, an international workshop is organised. The objectives of these workshops are:
- to present new knowledge on pond ecology, management and conservation (oral or poster communications)
- to favour the contact between people and to create new links
- to start collaborative projects
- to encourage contacts between managers and scientists
- to bring together a large part of the participants of the EPCN
- (plenary discussions / EPCN general assembly)
First Workshop
The first workshop (2004) was co organised by the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland (EIL), University of Geneva (LEBA), University of Toulouse III, Pond Conservation Trust.
Second Workshop
During the second workshop (coorganised by the University of Applied Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, University of Toulouse III, Pond Conservation, Pôle-Relais Mares et Mouillères, University of Leuven), in February 2006 in Toulouse, the network finalised the document “Developing the Pond Manifesto” (download here), a document presenting the background and the motivations for the EPCN activities.
Third Workshop
The third workshop (2008) was organized in Valencia under the auspices of EPCN by the Generalitat Valenciana (Conselleria de Medi Ambient) as an action included in the European Union Life-Nature project on “Restoration of priority habitats for amphibians”. It called for contributions on pond conservation: from science to practice, with the aim of bringing together researchers, managers and practitioners to exchange information, concerns and views on common topics under different perspectives to strengthen knowledge on pond ecosystems.
Fourth Workshop
The fourth workshop (2010) has taken place in Berlin (Ecker), Germany. The Conference took place from 1 to 4 June under the motto “Eyes of the landscape – value ponds in the 21st century” considering the challenges of “Countdown 2010 – year of biodiversity”. The event was organised under the auspices of EPCN by the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany, with the support of German partners (German Limnological Society, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Berlin, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg and BUND “Friends of the earth”).
Fifth Workshop
The fifth workshop (2012) took place in the prestigious Neumünster Abbey located in the historical centre of Luxembourg City. Continuing the series of EPCN conferences, it provided researchers, managers and other stakeholders with the most recent knowledge and data about the various aspects of pond ecology, protection and management. The program included keynote lectures, podium and poster sessions covering the multi-faceted aspects of knowledge about ponds. Several specialised workshops were held in order to exchange views on policy, interactions with the landscape and practical considerations about pond management.
Sixth Workshop
The sixth workshop (14-18 September 2014) took place in Huesca (Spain) under the motto Wetlands Biodiversity and Services: Tools for Socio-Ecological Development. Both the SWS Europe Chapter and the EPCN came together as the main conveners of this meeting. More than 300 scientists and practitioners from 27 countries participated in this event that highlight the importance of the wise use of wetlands and the key role they play in maintaining human well being across Europe and beyond. Many oral and posters presentations focused on ponds, and a special session was organized regarding the Biodiversity, ecology and management of Mediterranean ponds.
Seventh Workshop
The seventh EPCN workshop will be held on the 1-4 May 2017 at the University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal. The workshop is being run in conjunction with a LIFE Seminar and the 12th Annual SWS European Chapter Meeting. The themes are Ponds in a Changing World and Sustainable wetland management: exploring novel approaches for water management, biodiversity conservation, restoration, pollution control, and climate change. More information on the event, submitting abstracts, and booking your place is available from the 7th EPCN Workshop website. #EPCNLifeSWS2017