Welcome to the SER European 2010 Conference Web Site

Objectives of the Conference

The biological conservation and ecological restoration of natural and semi-natural habitats are both essential in Europe.The aim of the conference is to present and assess the state-of-the-art in ecological restoration and to bring together scientists, policy makers, practitioners and stakeholders for mutual exchange and synergy. Through lectures, workshops, poster sessions and excursions, the conference will offer an outstanding opportunity for transboundary contacts and exchanges of knowledge, experiences, and “best” or at least successful practices in ecological restoration, an emerging field and profession at the crossroads of applied ecology, ecological and environmental economics.

Without consideration of the “special” ecological and economical aspects of the Mediterranean environment, the sustainability of restoration processes and restored ecosystems cannot be achieved. Cooperation is essential as well. The recently established “Mediterranean Union”  will facilitate transboundary cooperation among the 24 countries of the Mediterranean Basin, and between the Mediterranean Union and the other countries of the European Union. Restoring and improving the ecological health and sustainability of habitats, ecosystems, ecosystem services, and landscapes in Europe is a major challenge, particularly in the face of increasing pressures due to global changes including land use, demography, socio-economic, and climate changes.

Objectifs de la conférence

L’objectif principal du congrès est de présenter et d’évaluer l'état de l'art dans le domaine de la restauration écologique des écosystèmes et de rassembler des scientifiques, des décideurs et des praticiens pour des échanges mutuels afin de créer des synergies dans les projets futurs de restauration écologique. Par des présentations orales, des ateliers, des sessions d'affiche et des excursions, le congrès offrira une occasion unique pour des contacts transfrontaliers et des échanges de connaissances, d’expériences et de pratiques dans le domaine de la restauration écologique : un champ émergent et une profession au carrefour de l’écologie appliquée, de l'économie environnementale et des sciences socio culturelles.

Themes of the Conference

Restoration of ecosystems

• Dry grasslands, heaths, matorrals, steppic and semi-arid vegetation
• Bogs, fens, wet meadows
• Lakes, ponds, wadis (dry river beds), rivers and estuaries
• Marine and coastal ecosystems
• Forests, woodlands and shrublands
• Rocky habitats
• Industrial and polluted areas such as mines

Restoration as the bridge builder between nature conservation and sustainable local economic development

• Socio-economic constraints, benefits, financing opportunities and solutions for promoting and sustaining ecological restoration activities
• Legal constraints and solutions for successful ecological restoration
• Improving collaboration among scientists, policy makers, and practitioners throughout Europe and the Mediterranean Basin.
• Policy measures to cope with loss of traditional management techniques and knowledge

Restoration of habitat quality and improving conditions for reintroduction and reinforcement of populations of endangered species

• Reference values for habitat quality and minimum viable population sizes
• Evaluation of habitat restoration projects
• Evaluation of species reintroduction measures

Fragmentation and connectivity in networks of protected sites

• How dense and complete are the networks of protected areas and what connectivity level is needed?
• Restoration actions across national boundaries in the Mediterranean Basin.
• Expected impact of climate change and possible countermeasures
• Expected impact of exotic, invasive species and possible countermeasures

SER European meetings provide an essential international forum for scientists and practitioners who look to restoration as a means to conserve the planet’s dwindling biodiversity and failing ecosystems. These meetings provide a critical platform to assist us in defining the principles of restoration, understanding goals and milestones, debating what ecosystem functions to measure and closing the gap between the science of restoration ecology and the practise of ecological restoration.

Given it's location, the SER European Conference 2010 conference is aiming to attract a broader audience, including practitioners and scientists from Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean Basin and North-Africa. The SER European Conference 2010 provides an ideal opportunity to promote the SER and ecological restoration within these regions.

The local organising committee sincerely looks forward to your attendance at SER European Conference 2010 and welcomes you to France, Provence Region and Avignon.

Thèmes du Congrès

Restauration d’écosystèmes
• Pelouse sèches, landes, garrigues, maquis, végétation steppique et semi-aride
• Marais, tourbières, prairies humides
• Lacs, étangs, oueds, rivières et estuaires
• Ecosystèmes marins et côtiers
• Forêts et boisements
• Habitats rocailleux
• Sites industriels pollués comme les mines, les décharges, etc.

Fragmentation et connectivité dans les réseaux de sites protégés
• Quelle densité pour les réseaux de sites protégés et quel niveau de connectivité ?
• Actions de restauration écologique transfrontalière dans le Bassin méditerranéen.
• Impacts attendus des changements climatiques et actions possibles.
• Impacts attendus des invasions d’espèces exotiques et actions possibles.

La restauration comme constructeur de pont entre conservation de la nature et développement économique local durable
• Contraintes socio-économiques, avantages pour financer des projets et  des solutions pour promouvoir et supporter des activités de restauration écologique.
• Contraintes légales et solutions pour une restauration écologique réussie.
• Améliorer la collaboration entre scientifiques, décideurs et praticiens en Europe et dans le Bassin méditerranéen.
• Mesures légales pour faire face à la perte de techniques et savoirs traditionnelles de gestion conservatoire.

Restauration de la qualité des habitats et conditions pour améliorer la réintroduction et le renforcement des populations d'espèces en voie de disparition
• Quelles références pour estimer la qualité des habitats et les tailles de populations minimales viables ?
• Evaluation des projets de restauration d’habitats
• Evaluation des mesures de réintroduction d’espèces