The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) has announced its 4th World Conference on Ecological Restoration, "Re-establishing the Link between Nature and Culture," to be held August 21-25, 2011 in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

SER2011 is a multi-disciplinary international conference designed to bring together those individuals and organizations involved in the science and practice of ecological restoration as it relates to natural resource management, climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable livelihoods. Delegates include practitioners, researchers, planners/managers, students and volunteers with backgrounds in earth sciences, landscape architecture, ecological engineering, natural resource management, public policy, economics, indigenous cultures and community-based activities. SER2011 will foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and experiences among this diverse group with the ultimate aim of identifying practical solutions for restoring nature and enhancing critical ecosystem goods and services.

OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of SER2011 is to bring together experts from around the world to demonstrate how ecological restoration, when conducted using sound scientific methods and a holistic ecosystem approach, can serve as a tool to re-establish the connections between nature and culture and foster global stability by integrating the social, economic and ecological dimensions of human existence. With sustainable livelihoods and the survival of native species increasingly threatened, ecological restoration has emerged as an indispensable tool for repairing ecologically sensitive areas and recovering the vital ecological functions that sustain human populations.

CONFERENCE THEMES
SER2011 will examine ecological restoration at the nexus between nature and culture. Key topics will include:
• Sustainable livelihoods and restoring natural capital
• Safeguarding biodiversity
• Landscape connectivity and biological corridors
• Mitigating and adapting to global changes
• Cultural landscapes and Agro-ecological methods
• Local and traditional ecological knowledge and
community-based approaches
• Environmental and natural resource policy
implications

CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Closes December 1, 2010 The Society for Ecological Restoration is now accepting proposals for special sessions, symposia, workshops and training courses at its 4th World Conference on Ecological Restoration in Mérida, Mexico. The deadline for submitting a proposal is December 1, 2010; however early submissions are encouraged, and proposals will be considered in the order in they are received.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Society for Ecological Restoration
1017 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 USA
tel: (202) 299-9518
E-mail Contacts:
General Information - info@ser2011.org
Sponsorship Opportunities - sponsors@ser2011.org
Exhibiting & Advertising - exhibitors@ser2011.org