Public Institution Nature Parks Kopački rit, Agency Moldsilva and DANUBEPARKS are proud to announce the upcoming international conference "DANUBEPARKS Newt Conservation Partnership & Climate Changes" focused on the conservation of the Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) Species Complex and its response to climate change. The conference will be held in Văleni, Republic of Moldova, on the 30th and 31st of May 2023.
The conference aims to bring together experts, scientists, and conservationists from 10 Danube countries, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange to address the challenges faced by newts and amphibians in the Danube River Basin.
Under the auspices of the Central European Initiative (CEI) Cooperation Fund, this two-day event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the conservation of newts and amphibians, share best practices, and identify strategies to combat the negative impacts of climate change on these vulnerable species.
The conference program includes expert meetings, project preparation workshops, and a field trip to the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, located a short distance from the conference venue. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, gain insights into successful conservation projects, and explore innovative approaches to promote climate change resilience using newts and amphibians as flagship indicator species.
The conference will also witness the launch of the first-ever Danube-wide Newt Expert Working Group, which aims to facilitate ongoing collaboration and coordination among stakeholders for the conservation of the Crested Newt Species Complex in the Danube region.
Key follow-up activities include the adaptation of the "Action Plan for the Conservation of the Crested Newt Trituru Species Complex in Europe" specifically tailored for the Danube region, as well as the initiation of a newt conservation project in 2024.
"We are excited to host this significant conference, and we are proud that it will be hosted in Moldova in the immediate vicinity of the Lower Prut Nature Reserve, one of the "youngest" Protected Areas along the Danube, which was established in 2018" said Dr. Vlatko Rožac, a senior adviser in Kopački rit Nature Park and DANUBEPARKS president. "Through this event, we aim to enhance collaboration, exchange knowledge, and develop effective strategies to safeguard these vital species and their habitats amidst the challenges posed by climate change."
The conference welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, scientists, conservation organizations, government agencies, and representatives from protected areas and environmental institutions.
For more information about the conference, including the detailed agenda, please contact: office@danubeparks.org.