Welcome on website of 2nd European Congress of Conservation Biology
Conservation biology and beyond: from science to practice
The 1st European Congress for Conservation Biology was organized by the European Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB-ES) in Eger (Hungary) in 2006. It brought together scientists, practitioners and policy formers from all parts of Europe and beyond. It was a unanimous decision of this first Congress that the event should not be a one-off and a second Congress should be held in 2009 to maintain a regular forum for exchange on conservation science and nature conservation practice.
The Congress theme, conservation biology and beyond: from science to practice reflects the fact that delivering effective conservation requires a range of actors. Conservation still suffers from these different actors being poorly coordinated and there is work to do to ensure a concerted effort. Conservation science needs to cover a broader range of disciplines than just biology to be relevant to practice and needs feedback from application on successes, problems faced and research needs. In addition, conservation biologists often remain poor at communicating the importance of their science to policy and practice; mechanisms for better communication exist but need to be agreed upon and invested in.
The European heads of States in 2001 have agreed to the target of halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010. As we approach the deadline, we realize that biodiversity loss continues and in many parts of Europe may even accelerate. Beyond 2010, halting biodiversity decline and restoring ecosystem functions continues to be a challenging and ambitious endeavor that needs the close interaction and cooperation between science and application.
The ECCB2009 will bring together the full range of conservation professionals not only to report on latest results, but also to explore the role of conservation science in policy formation and effective practice. The congress will provide unique opportunities for exchange and networking.
These are both exciting and challenging times for conservationists and we expect Prague 2009 to be an event that will remembered as a milestone for nature conservation in Europe and beyond!
Scientific Programme
Europe is a continent of long cultural history, where land use, hunting and fishing have become embedded in traditional practises. It once harboured a large diversity of wild species in its terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. But ever since traditional practises have been replaced by industrialized agriculture and fisheries, this biodiversity has been strongly declining. However, some lessons have been learnt and some hotspots remain. New policies and education tools have been designed to improve the coexistence of people and biodiversity. Many countries could benefit from these programmes and avoid mistakes made by others. As pressures on natural resources continue to increase worldwide, the European experience could be seen as a case study for the global nature conservation community.
Biodiversity decreases significantly as you move from the tropics to the poles, with distance from sea level in the mountains and from the water’s surface inland. The diversity of species is facilitated by factors such as heterogeneity of the environment (landscape and resources) and climatic fluctuations (changes in temperature and other indicators throughout the year).
The importance of biodiversity is that it increases the resistance of a species (ecosystem, biosphere) to environmental changes. It also has economic significance: a person actively uses biological resources like food, materials, and raw materials for industry.
When writing a conservation of biodiversity essay, an essay writer aiming at an excellent grade, must note that biological diversity can sharply decrease both for natural reasons (mass extinction of species in the process of evolution) and in connection with human activities.
The problem of biodiversity conservation has received recognition at the level of government leaders and international organizations. Maintaining biodiversity requires the adoption of measures such as the creation of protected areas, the prohibition of the extraction of rare species, the fight against poaching, and the preservation of endangered species in captivity.
The main reason for biodiversity conservation is that it plays a leading role in ensuring the stability of ecosystems and the biosphere as a whole (absorption of pollution, stabilization of the climate, provision of conditions suitable for life).
By studying the needs of biodiversity, deepening our dialogue with stakeholders and all citizens, and looking beyond the countdown 2010, the 2nd European Congress of Conservation Biology “Conservation biology and beyond from science to practice” welcomes biologists, practitioners, consultants, policy makers, social scientists, teachers and students to discuss, design and disseminate new guidelines, tools and strategies in an attempt to win the race to significantly reduce the loss of biodiversity.
Symposia & Workshops
The Congress theme, “conservation biology and beyond: from science to practice” reflects the fact that delivering effective conservation requires a range of actors. Conservation still suffers from these different actors being poorly coordinated and there is work to do to ensure a concerted effort. Conservation science needs to cover a broader range of disciplines than just biology to be relevant to practice and needs feedback from application on successes, problems faced and research needs. In addition, conservation biologists often remain poor at communicating the importance of their science to policy and practice; mechanisms for better communication exist but need to be agreed upon and invested in.
Workshops
Workshops facilitate presentation and application of new concepts, perhaps allowing audience participation and/or round-table discussion for exploration of new or controversial issues. Dates and times will be structured so that they have minimal conflict with paper sessions (evenings and lunchtimes are preferred). All workshops organisers must be registered for the meeting.
Joint European Censuses for Conservation
Organisers: Henk de Vries, Ruud Foppen
Goal: To establish a European platform for NGO’s where census and atlas activities can be joined and discussed
The EBCC (European Bird Census Council) and the BCE (Butterfly Conservation Europe) are both young European organizations with a joint purpose of gathering information about distribution of respectively birds and butterflies. When these two associations meet, possibly together with other organizations, they can join some of there efforts and thus contribute to measuring biodiversity on a European scale. Other purposes of the proposed workshop are: (1) to generate support for an European portal for records of observations of fauna and flora. (2) to plan/discuss the opportunity for starting with the assemblage of data for a new atlas of European breeding birds. (3) to present and discuss ongoing national and international projects contributing to European databases. (4) to get interest from other European associations or organizations with similar objectives to join this platform (5) to establish a network of people from national organizations who want to contribute to European databases.
Invasive species: key priorities for science, policy and practice
Organisers: Helen Bayliss, Nicola Randall
Goals: To identify key priorities for invasive species research across Europe; To identify the factors affecting the use of research on invasive species by policy makers and practitioners; To form new collaborations and networks for future work.
Invasive species are an important global issue due to their ecological and economic impacts. Control, prevention and costs to industry are estimated to run to billions of dollars each year. Many ecosystem services are affected by invasive species, in particular biodiversity, a key policy driver across Europe. Recently, much work has been carried out to facilitate the sharing and evaluation of current information relating to invasive species in Europe, such as DAISIE and the Biological Invasions module of ALARM. The effects of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts may lead to increasing problems from invasive species as occupiable ranges shift and community dynamics change.
In order to understand, control and mitigate against invasive species during this time of global change, additional information is required. It is important that policy makers, practitioners and researchers are all involved in the process of identifying information needs and shaping the research agenda for invasive species. To be of real value, resulting research evidence must be able to influence policy makers and ultimately conservation practitioners, and its impact be assessed.
Due to the many mainly anthropogenic effects impacting on the global environment, scope for future research on invasive species is wide, and may consider control and monitoring of existing invasives, as well as Identification of, and mitigation against, potential future invasive species. In this workshop we will discuss the key priorities for invasive species research across Europe and whether these are being met through existing research activity. We also aim to identify factors which affect the uptake of research evidence by policy makers and practitioners, whilst providing an informal networking opportunity for anyone with an interest in invasive species.
Scavengers in a modern world: from top-predators’ subsidies to carrion dumps
Organisers: Nuria Selva, José Antonio Donázar
Scientific evidence shows that the current management strategy has extremely negative consequences for the wild fauna and that there is an urgent need to improve it. On the other hand, there is a clear incompatibility between these regulations and the EU nature conservation Directives. The goals of the symposium on the same topic were (1) to highlight the importance of carrion resources, both natural and human-provided, in the functioning of ecosystems and for the conservation of many species, ranging from carrion beetles, to brown bears; and, (2) bring together a multidisciplinary group of experts in the topic to provide recent scientific evidence and discuss the current situation and associated conservation problems. Ideally, the symposium will be followed by a workshop on the same topic. The workshop pretends to (1) examine and discuss in more detail the issues related to the conservation of scavengers and scavenging process; (2) set the basis to establish a working group on scavengers; and, (3) draw out conclusions and formulate conservation measures and proposals for a sensible management of carrion resources in order to inform policy makers. It is important to come out with strong conclusions about European sanitary regulations, which may have very detrimental consequences for biodiversity.
Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to assess the extinction risk of species
Organisers: Caroline Pollock
Goal: To improve understanding of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria and how to apply these criteria to produce good-quality Red List assessments suitable for inclusion in Red Lists at regional (e.g., at Europe, national) or global (i.e., the IUCN Red List) levels.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM is generally considered the most authoritative and objective system for classifying species’ extinction risk at the global level. The IUCN Red List is integral to meeting CBD commitments (e.g. Article 7; Annex 1), particularly for reducing the rate of global biodiversity loss. In addition, biodiversity conservation policies are most often implemented at national (e.g. state, province) and regional (e.g. European Union) levels, and accurate extinction risk assessment at national and regional level is a vital part of this process.
Current approaches to developing national Red Lists vary widely. This hinders comparison between Red Lists and development of robust indicators for measuring progress towards CBD’s biodiversity target (e.g., the Red List Index (RLI) requires at least two comparable and well-documented Red List assessments to give a reliable measure of trends in biodiversity status). Discussions are also underway to adopt the RLI as a biodiversity indicator under the United Nations Millennium Development Goal 7 (MDG7); implementation of this indicator will require more rigorous and standardized national Red Lists than are currently available.
Through an extensive process of workshops, testing and open debate, IUCN has already developed a set of criteria as the foundation for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2001), and guidelines for applying the criteria at regional and national levels (IUCN 2003). The IUCN Red List Unit has over 10 years experience of facilitating Red List training courses around the world; demand for Red List training is increasing as more countries begin to tackle the problem of effectively monitoring and addressing the status of their biodiversity.
By providing this training opportunity at the European Congress of Conservation Biology, we openly invite participants from all countries represented at this meeting to learn how to apply the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to assess the extinction risk of species in their country and region.
The Zonation conservation prioritization framework and software – Q&A session
Organisers: Atte Moilanen
Goal: To summarize the basic operational principles of the latest version of the Zonation conservation prioritization framework and software. To answer questions concerning any aspects of the software and its operation.
Training Sessions
Training sessions will provide opportunities for registered delegates to receive expert tuition on a key topic in conservation. Training sessions will be timetabled as pre-congress events and may last up to one full day. All training session organisers must be registered for the meeting.
We offer to participants folowing training courses and training workshops:
Training courses
1) Scientific writing and communication
2) The Zonation conservation prioritization framework and software – hands on
3) Curriculum Design in Conservation Biology
Training workshop
2) Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to assess the extinction risk of species
The ECCB does not provide financial support for Symposia, Workshops or Training sessions but is willing to help with applications for funding where possible. In cases where financial assistance will be required, proposers should make it clear how they expect to obtain the necessary funding (e.g. training session fees).
General Information
Venue
The congress will take place in the campus of Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague (Czech Republic) from September 01 – 05, 2009.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Transport to the congress venue
Because of a low interest of participants the transport from the Prague airport to the congress venue will not be provided. Please use the city transport or taxi according the travel information
Transport in the Czech Republic
The Czech University of Life Sciences is located on the north-western border of Prague, close to the Prague airport and with a very good access to the Prague city centre. The Prague Airport is located approximately 10 km away from the city centre and 5 km from University Campus. Prague has an international connection with all the main cities of Europe and other continents.
Czech Railways provides clean, efficient train service to almost every part of the country. Travel is cheap compared to Western standards.
Long-distance coach connections tend to be faster, more frequent and marginally cheaper than train connections, and remoter locations require fewer transfers.
Facts for the Traveler
The Czech Republic shares the principles of the migration and visa policies of the European Union and is currently finalizing its legal matters to match European Union law.
EU Nationals and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (which are members of the European economical area) traveling to the Czech Republic may use a passport, diplomatic passport or any government-issued ID. Nationals of Japan, USA, and New Zealand can visit the Czech Republic for up to 90 days without a visa. Nationals of Australia, South Africa and many other countries must obtain a visa, which is good for a stay of between 30 and 90 days depending on your nationality. Citizens of states who must provide a visa to enter the Czech Republic include Ukraine, Morocco, Singapore and Brazil.
The official list of states and types of visa contacts is available on the web pages of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Language
The official language of the Congress will be English. No translation facilities will be available.
Czech Republic
The country is a democratic republic and is a member of European Union.
Bank and currency exchange:
The currency is the Czech crown (Kc / CZK). Banknotes are in denominations of CZK 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000. Coins are in denominations of CZK 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50.Rate of exchange:
- 1 EUR = approx. 25,2 CZK
- 1 USD = approx. 16 CZK
- 1 GBP = approx. 31,7 CZK
You ca check here the most charming European destinations to visit in autumn, if you think about visiting after the event.
Venue
Prague, the Heart of Europe
Looking at the map we can find that Prague really is a focal point; heart and centre of the continent. However, Prague is not only a geographical heart of Europe, but also a place where for centuries different nations were mixing and different cultures were merging, influencing each other. Those who walk through Prague walk through the history of Europe and its cultural streams.
For more than one thousand and one hundred years visitors to Prague have been trying to give Prague a suitable name: stone Prague, golden Prague, magic Prague, hundred-spired Prague, Prague, mother of the all cities… Each of these highlight one of its many attractive features.
Hundred-spired Prague – as this name suggests, Prague is the city of architectural treasures. It might be impossible to count all the large and small spires of Prague churches, palaces and houses. This city has been developing for more than one thousand years, in the course of time many memorable buildings have been built. In spite of often having been destroyed, Prague was able to keep its enormous legacy. It excels in Romanesque monuments; it is known as a world-renowned work of Gothic city planning. The re-catholicization of the country was accompanied by a remarkable development of the Baroque style. Hundreds of artists, mainly from Italy and Germany, gave Prague its Baroque appearance, which the city has been preserving since that time. The countenance of Prague reflects every cultural period and every artistic style.
The name Magic Prague is known all over the world. Doctor Faust’s Prague, Golem’s Prague – this name was given to the city after the mythical clay giant symbolizing Jewish magic. Rudolphian Prague – after Emperor Rudolf II, who contributed to its reputation to a great extent. This emperor of alchemists, the admirer of occultism and Maecenas gathered in Prague one of the biggest collections of art of that time. The remains of this collection, still preserved in Prague, are remarkable. However, the emperor left behind something that cannot be taken from the city – the atmosphere of mystery.
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
The congress will take place in the campus of Czech University of Life Sciences. The campus is about 20 minutes from the city centre. The campus is situated in the northwest suburb of Prague – in the city district Suchdol. It is a quiet garden-suburb with a few small protected areas near-by. Due to its location, Prague a very good initial point for field excursions across the whole Bohemia.
The modern campus offers a concentration of all services and facilities in one place. There are four Faculties with classrooms and lecture theatres, two congress halls, students’ dormitories, Menza (a student restaurant), restaurants and bars, parking etc. The main venue of the conference will be situated to a modern Congress Centre of the University. All these facilities are within 10 minutes by foot around the campus. There are 3 hotels in the immediate vicinity of the campus.
Accommodation
The Congress organisers offer to book accommodation in four hotels and dormitories ranging from one to four stars. All of offered hotels are located in a quiet suburban area and all have good access to the Congress venue; max. 10-minutes walk to the Campus CULS.
Telephone reservations cannot be accepted.
All reservations or cancellations must be made through the Congress Secretariat only!!!
All additional payments will be made at the Registration desk (SIC building).
Accommodation fee is not included in registration fee. The total accommodation fee should be paid in advance. Only extra services (phone calls, minibar and other services) should be paid directly to the hotel.
Room assignments will be based on availability at time of reservation. If you want to look for a roommate, please use bulletin board from the main menu.
The on-campus Student dormitories will provide the main accommodation for Congress participants with approximately 1500 beds in two different qualities. The Dormitories are only 5 minutes walk the Congress hall. Breakfast is included in price and is provided as a buffet in Menza (5 minutes walk from dormitories).
Student`s dormitories *
Address: Kamýcká 1091, 165 21 Praha 6 – Suchdol
Dormitories Type A
There are suites with two double rooms. The two dormitories share a bathroom, but they have separate entries. Sheets and pillows are provided, but you must bring your own towels. Breakfast is included in price and it will be provided in students’ hall Menza (until Sept, 06 only).
For checking find the reception of Dormitories JIH or Dormitories EF.
Prices *: Single room 26 EUR, Double room 32 EUR
* Presented prices are given per room.
Dormitories Type B
The rooms are double bedded rooms without own bathroom. The social settlement is collective on the floor. Sheets and pillows are provided, but you must bring your own towels. Breakfast is included in price and it will be provided in students’ hall Menza (until Sept, 06 only).
For checking find the reception of Dormitories BCD.
Prices *: Single room 22 EUR, Double room 28 EUR
* Presented prices are given per room.
Dormitories Type C
The rooms are triple bedded rooms with own bathroom. Sheets and pillows are provided, but you must bring your own towels. Breakfast is included in price and it will be provided in students’ hall Menza (until Sept, 06 only).
For checking find the reception of Dormitories BCD.
Prices *: Triple room 39 EUR
* Presented prices are given per room.
CULS Campus Hostel **
Address: Kamýcká 1091, 165 21 Praha 6 – Suchdol
Campus Hostel** double rooms are equipped with a separate bathroom. Sheets, pillows and towels are provided. Breakfast is included in price and it will be provided in students’ hall Menza (until Sept, 06 only).
For checking find the reception of Dormitories JIH.
Prices *: Single room 32 EUR, Double room 40 EUR
* Presented prices are given per room.
Social Programme
Evening programme
1) Laterna Magica:
Time and date: 19:00-22:00 on Monday 31st August 2009
Price: EURO 30
Transfer: transfer by public transport with a guide
Laterna Magika is an internationally comprehensible non-verbal theatre, for the first time presented to the public at EXPO´58 world exhibition in Brussels. The secret of this globally unique theatre consists in the original connection of film and live performance. The combination of film, dance, ballet, pantomime and black theatre gives new dimension to production and constant search for new possibilities using this link is the basic creative feature of the Laterna Magika.
2) Welcome Cocktail Reception:
Time and date: 18:00-22:00 on Tuesday 1st September 2009
Price: included in the registration fee for delegates and registered accompanying persons
Transfer: no transfer will be provided
The opening ceremony will be held in the Congress Hall of Czech University of Life Sciences. The welcome cocktail and some snacks will be served there. You will have a chance to make friends and renew old acquaintances and join fellow delegates.
3) Dinner on boat:
Time and date: 19:00-22:00 on Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Price: EURO 50
Transfer: transfer by bus
A bus will take you from the hotel or congress site to the Vltava River where an air-conditioned pleasure boat awaits you. You will receive a welcome aperitif, while a hot and cold buffet with a wide choice of dishes will be available. Accompanied by music, you will be taken on a two hours cruise along the Vltava, offering fantastic views of the river, lined by well-lit historic monuments such as Rudolfinum, Charles Bridge, majestic Prague Castle and more. You will then be taken on a short bus tour of other romantic places in Golden Prague.
4) The Brewery and restaurant U Fleku:
Time and date: 18:30-22:00 on Thursday 3rd September 2009
Price: EURO 45
Transfer: transfer by bus
If you really wish to get to know something real about the everyday life of Czechs, you need to visit a beerhouse (brasserie). With regard to the fact that Czech people are considered as beer drinkers, you are going to find quite a few of them in Prague.
The brasserie U Fleku is the oldest one in Prague, founded in 1449. It is situated in a historical house in the Old Town. The original atmosphere and the ancient spirit of the U Fleku house are even more emphasized by the decoration and equipment of the restaurant halls. The styles of different halls are noticeably different.
Of course, the U Fleku restaurant offers culinary delicacies as well. It is especially noted for its 13° dark lager beer which is brewed and draught directly on the spot. Would you like to taste the Czech cuisine? No problem. The restaurant U Fleku offers a variety of typical meals such as venison pate, potato soup, roasted duck and pork meat, sausages etc… Enjoy them!
5) Barbeque party:
Time and date: 19:00-23:00 on Friday 4th September 2009
Price: included in the registration fee for delegates and registered accompanying persons
Transfer: no transfer will be provided
The evening will be followed by traditional Czech music and produce. It will be held in the open air of the Campus of Czech University of Life Sciences.
Grilled pork, chicken, sausages, steaks, fresh salads, fruits, Czech beer and wine will be served.
6) Congress Banquet Dinner:
Time and date: 19:30-23:00 on Saturday 5th September 2009
Price: EURO 40
Transfer: no transfer will be provided
Enjoy an evening amongst colleagues with a memorable fine dining experience accompanied by the music. The rustically styled restaurant is located on one of the seven hills on which Prague was built, in the area of Strahov Monastery. A gourmet dinner will be served, with entertainment for our guests. Only registered delegates, students or accompanying persons can register for the banquet. The banquet is not included in the registration fees.
Field trips & Excursion
Excursions in Prague
1) Prague in a half day – walking tour of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town
Date: Tuesday, 1st September 2009 or Sunday, 6th September 2009, during the day
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 30 EURO
The best thing you can do at the beginning of your stay in Prague is to take part at a sightseeing tour…
Our bus will take you up to one of the seven hills on which Prague was built: to Prague Castle, the residence of the President of the Czech Republic. You will see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace and, of course, the famous Golden Lane with the little house in which Franz Kafka lived.
After finishing the visit of the Castle you will continue to the charming quarter of Lesser Town and its picturesque lanes, to the famous Charles Bridge with its stone sculptures, one of the greatest attractions in Prague (built in the 14th century by Charles IV, Czech King and Roman Emperor) and the Old Town with its worldwide famous Astronomical Clock. All around the Old Town Square you will see nice harmonious buildings of all architectural styles. The price includes transfers, English speaking guide.
2) Prague Castle
Date: Wednesday, 2ndSeptember 2009, during the day
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 46 EURO
Transfer by bus to the Prague Castle, which had been the seat of princes and kings for centuries….. Currently the seat of the Czech president.
According to the legend, the Prague Castle was founded by the Princess Libuše, the progenitress of Czech kings of the House of Přemysl, but the first historical reference to it is from the end of the 9th century. The most glorious era of the Prague Castle was during the reign of Charles IV, Czech King and Roman Emperor, in the 14th century.
During this tour you will pass through the whole Prague Castle area, you will visit the Gothic interior of St.Vitus Cathedral built in the 14th century, you will see the St.Wenceslas Chapel (pearl of the Gothic architecture), where the Czech crown jewels are kept. The second stop will be in the former Royal Palace from the late Gothic period. In this palace there is the monumental Vladislav Hall with fine vaulting finished in 1500. Nowadays the Czech Presidents are elected there.
The next visit will be the oldest place of Prague Castle: you will see the Romanesque interior of the St. George´s Basilica, founded in the 10th century by the Benedictine nuns. The end of the walking tour will be in the Golden Lane, a famous legendary street, where the alchemists and people who wanted to produce gold the artificial way gathered. At the end of the tour you visit the romantic Ledebourg terrace gardens. The price includes transfers, English speaking guide.
3) Walking tour in Lesser Town / Malá Strana
Date: Thursday, 3rd September 2009, during the day
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 35 EURO
Between the Vltava river and the Prague Castle there is a picturesque quarter founded in the second half of the 13th century, called Malá Strana (Lesser Town). Of course, from this time there is not so many houses anymore but you will admire nice Baroque architecture (e. g. the Wallenstein Palace and its garden), splendid Vrtba Garden, buildings in the Neruda street with remarkable house signs above the doors, silent charming lanes where you will be the only person, but just in the city centre. The edifice dominating not only the Lesser Town Square, but the whole Malá Strana, is the Church of St. Nicholas, the most splendid ecclesiastical building of Baroque Prague.
Not so far from the main square there is another Baroque Church, Church of Our Lady Victorious, famous for the wax effigy of the Prague Jesus Child, a Spanish work of the Renaissance.
You will also have an opportunity to see the „Prague Venice“ and „Čertovka“, a romantic arm of the Vltava river, which detaches the Kampa Island from Malá Strana. At the end of the pleasant walking tour you will cross the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague, built in the 14th century by the Czech king Charles IV. Do not forget to touch the miraculous statue of John of Nepomuk – it is said that it can help you fulfill your most secret dreams! The price includes transfers, English speaking guide, entrance to the St. Nicolas Church and Vrtba Garden.
4) Prague by night
Date: Thursday, 3rd September 2009, in the evening
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 60 EURO
To start, the bus will take you to the Hanavský Pavillon on Letná Hill, where – together with a glass of sparkling wine – you may enjoy the dreamlike view of the city. You will be taken to a typical restaurant.
Get a taste of the traditional Czech cuisine, Czech beer or Moravian wine! One of the best dishes that will be served is the shimeji in butter. Then we shall take you to the Exhibition Grounds, where you can watch an unforgettable water show – a performance at Křižík´s Fountain: from over 1000 jets, water shoots up to the night sky, illuminated by countless spotlights, keeping pace with the beat of music. The price includes: transfers, English speaking guide, welcome drink, 3 course dinner incl. one drink (beer/wine/soft drink), ticket for Krizik´s fountain performance.
5) Walking tour in Jewish Town
Date: Friday, 4th September 2009, during the day
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 50 EURO
The Jewish Quarter is one of the most visited areas in the city. If you accept our invitation, you will get information about history and the present times of the Jewish community in Prague. You will visit the Prague National Jewish Museum, one of the largest in the world, with several synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, one of the oldest burial grounds in Europe.
You will also see the native house of the worldwide famous writer Franz Kafka. The Maisel Synagogue presents the history of the Jews in Bohemia and Moravia from the 10th to 18th century. In the Spanish Synagogue there are objects presenting the Jews from the emancipation to present time. At the entrance to the cemetery your will visit the Pinkas Synagogue with more than 80.000 names written by hand on walls – a memory of Czech and Moravian Jewish victims of the Holocaust. In the Klaus Synagogue there is an exhibition of Jewish Customs and Traditions “Run of life” showing the daily life of a Jewish family, the most important stages of each person from the birth to the death. The exhibits in the Ceremonial Hall next to the cemetery presents activities of Burial Society in Bohemia and Moravia.
It is also possible to visit the Old-New Synagogue from the 13th century, the only existing medieval-type hall of its kind. This walking excursion is suitable for people interested in Jewish history, culture and customs. Transfer back to your hotel. The price includes transfers, English speaking guide, entrance to the Jewish Museum and Cemetery, synagogues and the Old-New Synagogue.
6) Walking tour in the Old Town
Date: Saturday, 5th September 2009, during the day
Duration: 4 hours
Price: 34 EURO
This walking excursion shows perfectly the oldest quarter of Prague. The Old Town was established in the years 1232-34, and until nowadays you can find there all types of architecture: a Romanesque rotunda, Gothic houses, Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches, Rococo facades or buildings from the 19th-20th century. During this tour you will see the famous Astronomical Clock situated on the Old Town Hall and you will have an opportunity to see Prague from the top of its tower.
All around the Old Town Square there are outstanding houses from the Middle Age and the Baroque period, e. g. House at Stone Bell, Church of Our Lady of Týn, St. Nicholas Church, Kinsky Palace, St. James´Basilica – one of the most beautiful churches in Prague. Subsequently you will continue to the Charles University, founded by Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV. in 1348 (the oldest one in Central Europe). Just in front of the University you will admire the Estate Theatre where W. A. Mozart finished his opera Don Giovanni and where its first presentation was held in 1787. Of course, your will also see the Republic Square with the Powder Tower and the Municipal House, which is one of the most important places in the city. It is not possible to miss the Wenceslas Square, the main avenue in the capital, full of luxury shops, restaurants, fashion cafés and night clubs. Our guide will show you also the picturesque medieval lanes in front of the Charles Bridge and you can have a short stop in the Jewish Quarter as well. The price includes transfers, English speaking guide, and entrance to Old Town Tower.
Long-time trips
1) Beauties of South Bohemian’s Nature
Date: Saturday 29th August – Monday 31st August 2009
Duration: 3 days
Price: 350 EURO/single room; 330 EURO/ double room
Thank you for your booking this trip. Let us provide you with some organizing information.
If you arrive on Friday 28 you will get your voucher for the trip in the reception of your hotel (or dormitories) where you have booked an accommodation (if you have got it). In your hotel there will be a map with the meeting point. If you will stay in private accommodation you will get your voucher during the registration time for this trip (Sat 8:30 am on site).
If you arrive on Saturday 29 morning, you will get your voucher during registration time for this trip on Saturday 29 on site.
Registration time for this trip: Sat 29 in 8:30.
Where: parking Dormitories A
Departure time is in 9:00 am.
Arrival time to Prague is about 7:00 pm (Aug 31).
Recommended equipment:
outdoor shoes, raincoat or umbrella, cameras
notepad, gumboots (for unfavourable weather)
good mood ….
Diet for Aug 29 – box lunch provided
1st day overnight in the city Vimperk
Amber Hotel Anna
https://amber-anna.hotel.cz/
Kaplířova 168, Vimperk
2nd day overnight in the city Český Krumlov
Hotel Leonardo
Soukenická 33, Český Krumlov
a) The Šumava National Park
The Šumava National Park is the largest national park in the Czech Republic. It contains large areas of coniferous and mixed mountain forests, cirques with glacial lakes, widespread mountain peat bogs, alluvial valleys and remnants of former settlements in various stages of reintegration into nature. The excursion is planned as a day-long demanding hike through forested and rocky terrain between 800 and 1378 m above sea level and will include the national park’s highest peak Plechý and the Plešné jezero glacial lake.
b) Český Krumlov town
A short visit to the historical town of Český Krumlov. This lively, cosmopolitan town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique atmosphere set in unspoiled countryside. Dominated by a Castle stretching over the meandering Vltava River, Český Krumlov’s narrow cobblestone streets wind along romantic nooks between patrician houses where you’ll find attractive exhibits of world-renown artists, music festivals and concerts, and theatre performances.
c) Lipno reservoir and Boletice military training area – search for a balance between development and protection for people and nature
Within view of the historical jewel of Bohemia – Český Krumlov – lie two “different worlds”: Lipno reservoir, the largest aquatic recreational area in the Czech Republic and the military training area of Boletice, one of the best preserved Natura 2000 sites in the country. Along with the neighbouring Šumava National Park (Protected Landscape Area and Biosphere Reserve), Lipno reservoir is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Czech Republic.
d) The Třeboňsko PLA
The Třeboňsko Protected Landscape Area and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the most important region for fish ponds and fish farming in the Czech Republic. In the “fish pond country” we can still find a unique combination of natural elements with cultural and economic use of the region’s natural resources. The unique large wetland area (about 700 km2) provides habitat for a large range of valuable plant and animal species. There will be a lunch of regional fish specialties; it is possible to take a tour of a local brewery and sample the yeast beer.
2) Two Distinct Faces of Northern Bohemia
Date: Saturday 29th August – Monday 31st August 2009
Duration: 3 days
Price: 315 EURO/single room; 300 EURO/ double room
Thank you for your booking this trip. Let us provide you with some organizing information.
If you arrive on Friday 28 you will get your voucher for the trip in the reception of your hotel (or dormitories) where you have booked an accommodation (if you have got it). In your hotel there will be a map with the meeting point. If you will stay in private accommodation you will get your voucher during the registration time for this trip (Sat 8:30 am on site).
If you arrive on Saturday 29 morning, you will get your voucher during registration time for this trip on Saturday 29 on site.
Registration time for this trip: Sat 29 in 8:30.
Where: parking Dormitories A
Departure time is in 9:00 am.
Arrival time to Prague is about 7:00 pm (Aug 31).
Recommended equipment:
outdoor shoes, raincoat or umbrella, cameras
notepad, gumboots (for unfavourable weather)
good mood ….
Diet for Aug 29 – box lunch provided
1st day overnight in the city Litvínov:
Hotel Cascade
https://hotel-cascade.hotel.cz/
Radniční 3, Most
2nd day overnight in the city Děčín:
Hotel Faust
https://www.hotelfaust.cz/
U Plovárny 9, Děčín
a) The Bohemian Switzerland National Park
A wonderful landscape of the sandstone in the North of Bohemia. It was the sea’s sand bed that gave birth to the phenomenal world of sandstone after the sea receded; a world of rock towers, bridges and gates, a world full of miraculous stone shapes, canyons, brooks, streams and rivers. Visit the site.
b) The Czech Central Mountains PLA
A mountains complex of volcanic origin and a thermophilic steppe area situated to the northwest of Prague. You can see different management regimes, agro-environmental programs and also the problem linked with building a motorway through this valuable protected area. In this area there are many interesting species of the culture steppe and the excursion will highlight their management and protection.
c) The Krušné hory Mountains and the Lignite Basin under the Krušné hory Mts.
The wide opencast coal-mining area in the northwest of Bohemia is called “Black triangle”. In this area are interesting examples of a large scale landscape remodelling, devastation, the succession stages of spoil banks, and the protection and management of succession areas. The visit to the Krušné hory Mounntains provides a look at the large area of forests dying due to pollution, the forest stands regeneration and substitute tree species.
d) The chateau Krásný Dvůr
A beautiful baroque chateau rebuild in the 17th century is a perfect place for relaxation. The large park complex established in the 18th century is a place of great interest for botanists and zoologists.
3) A Pure Beauty of South Moravian Landscape
Date: Saturday 29th August – Monday 31st August
Short trips (1 day)
1) The Kokořínsko PLA + the Wine Centre of Czech University of Agriculture (CULS)
Date: Monday, 31th August 2009
Price: 55 EURO
Registration time: August 31, 8:30 am.
Where: Parking Dormitory A (you can see a map of area on ECCB website this evening).
Departure time: 9:00 am.
Arrival time to Prague: about 8:00 pm.
Recommended equipment:
outdoor shoes, raincoat or umbrella, cameras, notepad, gumboots (for unfavourable weather)
good mood ….
Diet – box lunch you will receive during the trip
The Kokořínsko PLA provides a wonderful view to the sandstone rock town area with a specific weathering of the sandstone. Valuable valley wetlands (the Ramsar Site) with the wetland meadows management and extensive pool building are a good home for amphibians. There is also interesting folk architecture and harmonic landscape and this is an important wine area – there is the opportunity to have a rest at the CULS wine centre and take part in local wine tasting.
2) The Ralsko Former Military Area
Date: Monday, 31th August 2009
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3) The Czech Karst PLA
Date: Monday, 31th August 2009
Price: 50 EURO
Registration time: August 31, 8:30 am.
Where: Parking Dormitory A (you can see a map of area on ECCB website this evening).
Departure time: 9:00 am.
Arrival time to Prague: about 8:00 pm.
Recommended equipment:
outdoor shoes, raincoat or umbrella, cameras, notepad, gumboots (for unfavourable weather)
good mood ….
Diet – box lunch you will receive during the trip
The thermophilic karst area lies southeastern of Prague and includes many interesting associations – the rock steppes, xerothermic forests, strong valley effect of the Berounka River. It is an interesting visit to the karst features and cave systems (a well-known geological locality and paleontological site of discovery). The most valuable parts are endangered by limestone mining, the excursion includes a demonstration to the protection and management of this area.
4) The Křivloklátsko PLA
Date: Sunday, 6th September 2009
Duration: 1 day
Price: 55 EURO
A UNESCO biosphere reserve linking extensive forests, the different types of forest ecosystems and the demonstration of forest protection and management. It is also the IBA for the forest bird species and is also included in the European important localities.
5) The Bohemian Paradise PLA
Date: Sunday, 6th September 2009
Duration: 1 day
Price: 60 EURO
The area is formed mainly of block sandstone, which was deposited on the seashore in the Mesozoic period. The current form of the rocks is the result of the long-term effects of forces risings the Earth’s core and of long-term erosion. The rock-column landscape and Tertiary uplands of volcanic origin make this countryside unique. Caves, pseudo-sinkholes, rock gates and windows are interesting aspects of this rock-column landscape.
Accompanying Persons
Programme for Accompanying persons
Accompaying persons` registration fee covers:
- admission to Welcome Recepttion
- admission to Barbeque Party
- one full/day tour to be chosen from three options
- special badge and bag
Accompanying persons will be offered 3 different full/day tours. Each accompanying person can choose one of these tours free of charge; other tour options for accompanying persons are available at additional cost
80 EUR
The tour fees include transportation, English speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees.
1) Excursion to Kutna Hora and Kourim Open Air Museum (8 hrs)
About 60 km east of Prague you can find a medieval town, the second most important town in Bohemia in the 14th and 15th century after Prague. This city was famous for its silver mines and presence of Czech kings. When Wenceslas IV, son of the Emperor Charles IV, lived there, the town started to develop and expand as many European architects worked at the royal court. Rich silver mines made possible to build beautiful city houses, a new cathedral, to enlarge the royal palace. In Kutná Hora the first central coin mint was established and the valuable Czech money
(Czech groš) had been made there until the Habsbourg time.
Since 1994 Kutná Hora belongs to the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. During our tour you will visit the St. Barbara Cathedral with interesting wall paintings showing the daily life of miners and workers in the Royal mint (it is a unique opportunity to see motifs and scenes like that in a church), the Italian Court, former Royal palace and the Royal Mint from the end of the 13th century, the Ossuary, small chapel with an altar and wall decoration made of human bones, and the nice centre of this small town where you will find medieval houses, a Gothic fountain, old stone pavement and charming old sleepy atmosphere.
Lunch will be at a typical restaurant in Kutna Hora. In the second half of the day you will visit the Museum of folk architecture in Kouřim, small town of Kouřim located about 20 km from Kutná Hora. It is presented like specialized ethnographical open-air museum which should document mainly archaic constructional techniques, building materials and present also some of the evolutionary periods of Bohemian folk building.
2) Excursion to Karlstejn Castle and Koneprusy Caves (8 hrs)
You should visit the most outstanding medieval castle built 650 years ago. The Czech king and Roman emperor, son of John of Luxemburg and Elizabeth of Přemysl, Charles IV was born on May 14, 1316, and died on November 29, 1378. He greatly improved the quality of the Czech state by initiating large construction projects and strengthening the position of the church. Due to his incentive, the Archbishops´s post was established by the Pope in Prague in 1344., under Charles’s rule, Prague became the residential town of the Empire. He was one of the most highly educated men in Europe at that time, he spoke five languages and was very knowledgeable in arts and science, he had literary gifts, and he was an outstanding soldier and statesman, a truly multifaceted talent.
In 1348, only two months after the foundation of the Prague’s University, Charles IV commissioned a French architect Matthew of Arras to build Karlštejn Castle, a place for safe keeping of Coronation Jewels and relics of saints. You will admire the majestic exterior of the Gothic fortress, its ingenious fortification, and also the breath-taking view from the hill onto the countryside around the castle. It is one of the most visited castles in the Czech Republic, situated about 35 km outside of Prague.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon continuation to Koneprusy Caves.
Koněprusy Caves (Koněpruské jeskyně) is a cave system in Bohemian Karst. It is located southwest of Prague, 6 km south of Beroun in the Central Bohemian Region. The name is derived from nearby village of Koněprusy. The three-level cave system inside the Zlatý kůň hill has developed in limestone of Devonian age. With the length of 2 km and vertical range of 70 m it is the largest cave system in Bohemia, but not in the Czech Republic (there are much larger cave systems in Moravian Karst). The caves were discovered during expansion of nearby limestone quarry in 1950 and subsequently made accessible to public in 1959. The tour of caves is 620 m long and lasts one hour.
Ecofriendly
There is an immense danger in the current changes in the European climate. Steps back in environmental measures just when the climate crisis demonstrates its destructive power.
Nature protection is a significant part of education and research at the University. Research activities at the CULS focus on various aspects of sustainable natural resources utilization.
A special Green Program has been adopted by the whole university campus. This Program includes building insulation, implementation of other energy saving measures and identification of new opportunities for eco-friendly operations.
The meeting is planned and organized while minimising negative impacts on the environment using eco-friendly measures divided to these following important areas:
- Energy efficiency – includes measures aiming at reducing existing energy use especially to prefer energy efficient appliances and types of lighting and setting up eco-modes of electronic appliances preferably.
- Waste prevention & recycling – is accomplished by placing of recycle bins, use of paperless technology and recycled paper, preferential use of recyclable materials, re-use of materials and minimising packaging.
- Transport minimization – a “one site strategy” is being used; the venue and accommodation are in the same locality. The venue is also situated close to the airport with very good public transport links.
- Eco-friendly refreshments – the menu will include local sourced products, organic and vegetarian foods. Where possible, bulk packaged products and post-mix beverages will be used minimising packaging. In addition to food waste prevention measures, facilities for composting and/or using food waste in animal feed are planned.
- Carbon fee – included in the registration fee (about 10 EUR). The fee will be used to support carefully chosen projects reducing impact of carbon emissions from human activities.
