International conference “Birds of Prey and Owls of Caucasus” 26-28.10.2011

On behalf of the Institute of Zoology of the Ilia State University I have the pleasure to invite you to attend the international conference “Birds of Prey and Owls of Caucasus”, which will be held in Abastumani, (Samtskhe-Javakheti Region), Georgia from 26 to 28 October 2011.

Abastumani (townlet and climatic spa in Adigeni Municipality, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region, Georgia; Coordinates: 41°45′9″N 42°49′55″E / 41.7525°N 42.83194°E / 41.7525; 42.83194; Elevation: 1,340 m or 4,396 ft) is located on the southern slopes of the Meskheti Ridge (Lesser Caucasus), in the small river valley of Otskhe, 25 km northeast of Adigeni town and 28 km west of Akhaltsikhe town.
All sessions, round tables, poster presentations as well as all accommodation of participants will be organized at the territory of Georgian National Astrophysical Observatory (Mt.Kanobili, at 1650-1700 meters above sea level, http://www.observatory.iliauni.edu.ge/index.php .
 
The official language of the Conference will be English.
Please also find attached the preliminary registration form for participants, conference preliminary program and some information regarding the event.
 
Complete please preliminary registration form and send to Executive Secretary of the Conference, to e-mail: aleksandre.abuladze@iliauni.ge until 1st June 2011

For additional information please contact
aleksandre.abuladze@iliauni.edu.ge 
mzia.kokhia@iliauni.edu.ge 
The conference will include sessions, symposium, poster sessions, workshops and round tables.
Preliminary topics of the Conference:
Session/Symposium
Birds of Prey and Owls of Caucasus and adjacent regions:
Current status of the breeding populations of Birds of Prey and Owls
Management of breeding populations
Migration monitoring
-     Caucasus and adjacent regions as a wintering area for raptors
 
2. Round Tables/Workshop
- Raptors as indicators-  Raptors in mountain habitats-  Monitoring (Censuses, Counts, Atlases, Demography, etc.)
-  Modern methods in study of raptors
-  Rare and endangered species. Threats and limiting factors
-  Practical use of raptors and Falconry
-  Problems of conservation, education and public awareness
 
Probably one session of the Conference will be devoted to public lectures for young naturalists, students, amateur naturalists, bird lovers, teachers, mentors, various environmental NGOs, Georgian falconers, representatives of Samtskhe-Javakheti Region and local municipality administration, Borjomi-Kharagauli Nature Park, Javakheti Nature Park, some protected areas, hunting societies and other organizations.We are open to suggestions on new sessions, symposia, workshops, round tables, slide-shows, films, videos, photo exhibitions, etc.!
 
The deadline for the submission of the conference abstracts is 15 September 2011.
The final program and the abstract book will be provided to participants at the Conference during registration.
 
REGISTRATION FEES:
The registration fee (€ 50.00, to be confirmed in the 2nd announcement) will cover:
The costs associated with the conference itself
All coffee-breaks (AM/PM)
The lunches during the three full conference days
Conference services, the proceedings and some conference material
The welcome party
Field trip to Vardzia Cave City on 28th October 2011
The Conference banquet.
The fee will not cover the accommodation costs, breakfasts or dinners during conference days. Accompanying person fee is € 25.00.
 
EXCURSION:
The Conference will include a field trip on 28 October in Mtkvari River valley including Vardzia Cave City - rock-cut monastery complex, Tmogvi Fortress, Khertvisi Fortress, Akhaltsikhe Castle, etc. Duration of the field trip is about 10 hours (08:30 – 18:30).
Various pre-conference and post-conference 1-3 day field trips and excursions in different regions of Georgia may be offered to those who have wishes. The representatives of several tourist agencies will attend the Conference. Besides that, it is possible to organize 1 day excursions to Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Tabatskuri Lake or at Goderdzi Pass on 29 October.
 
Do not hesitate to contact the organizers if you have any further questions.
 
IMPORTANT DATES:
DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION: 1st JUNE 2011
DEADLINE FOR SENDING OF ABSTRACTS: 25th SEPTEMBER 2011CONFERENCE: 26-28 OCTOBER 2011
We look forward to seeing you at the Conference!
 
With best wishes
Alexander Abuladze

PRELIMINARY REGISTRATION FORM

International Conference
Birds of Prey and Owls of Caucasus
26-28 October 2011- Abastumani, Georgia

Full name (first name and surname) ……………………………………………………………

Title (Prof/Dr/Mr/Mrs, etc.) …………………………………………………………………….

Name of your organization (Institute, University, Organization, Department, etc.) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Occupation/Position ……………………………………………………………………………

Address of your organization (with post/ZIP code and full name of country) …………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
E-mail  .…………………………………………………………………………………………
Telephone (with international code)
GSM/mobile (with international code
Fax (with international code)
Web-site …………………………….. ………………………………………………………..

Title of your presentation(s), report(s), lecture(s) (if any):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Title of your poster(s) (if any):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Title of your slide-show, film, video, etc. (please specify):
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Applied report or poster will be considered as application for publication.
NB: Abstracts should be sent until the 25 September 2011!
Full text of article should be presented during Conference, as Proceedings is planned to publish after the Conference.)

Do you plan to participate in field trip in Mtkvari River valley, Vardzia Cave City, Vanis Kvabebi Cave Monastery, Khertvisi Castle, Tmogvi Fortress, etc. on 28 October?

Will you participate in another field trip in various regions of Georgia?

Do you participate in reception?

If you need stay in Tbilisi or in Batumi (before Conference/after Conference) according your travel schedule, please inform us beforehand. We will book hotel for you.
Do you need hotel in Tbilisi or Batumi?
(If YES, please, specify: before Conference/after Conference – cities - what date?)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Do you need a special diet?    
If YES, please, specify:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Complete please this form and send to Executive Secretary of the Conference, to e-mail: aleksandre.abuladze@iliauni.ge
until 1st June 2011

The second information letter with more detailed information about travel, accommodation, program, field trips and excursions will be send to registered participants after 1st June 2011. 

Sincerely yours,
The Conference Organization Committee