BACKGROUND

WASWAC World Conference is set up by World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC). It is aimed to provide a platform to exchange and communicate for all researchers related soil and water conservation. The conference is held every three years, the first three session were held in Xi’an of China in 2010, in Chiang Rai of Thailand in 2013, and in Belgrade of Serbia in 2016. The fourth session will be held in New Delhi of India in 2019.

 

Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate Smart Agriculture and Global Food and Livelihood Security

At New Delhi, India, November 5^th-9^th, 2019

  

 

Natural resources, especially soil & water, are essential components not only of agro-ecosystems but also of the total biosphere. However, over the time, these resources have been degraded and depleted in the absence of judicious use, management and conservation. The degradation of soil and water resources has long been recognized as a primary threat to productive and sustainable agriculture. Ongoing climate changes have added complexities to the challenges faced by land users and policy makers, whether in developed or developing countries. This international conference, therefore, is intended to provide a forum, and perhaps an action plan, to address these global concerns.

The Soil Conservation Society of India (SCSI) will be hosting the conference from November 5-9, 2019 at New Delhi, India. For the first time, the World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC) and the International Soil Conservation Organization (ISCO) will jointly plan the conference as the 4th WASWAC World Conference the 20th ISCO Conference, with SCSI hosting it as the 4th SCSI International Conference. The purpose of the conference can be fulfilled by addressing the themes and sub-themes listed below:

 

THEMES AND SUB-THEMES

1. Soil Degradation – inventorization, issues and Management

a. Soil salinization, acidification, compaction (structural degradation), pollution – issues and management

b. Urban soils and their management

c. Soil quality challenges in resilient agriculture

d. Soil erosion – modelling, innovations in management under different land uses

e. Remote sensing and GIS applications for managing soil degradation

f. Integrated watershed management

g. Restoration of degraded soils

2. Water Resources Conservation and Management

a. Conservation irrigation innovations for higher water productivity

b. Conjunctive use of poor quality waters

c. Low-cost groundwater recharge techniques

d. Rain/runoff water harvesting in urban, peri-urban and rural areas

e. Recycling of wastewaters

3. Sustainable Farming Systems vis-a-vis Climate Change

a. Intensification of cropping systems for adaptation to climate change

b. Integrated farming system for livelihood and natural resource security

c. Biodiversity conservation through integrated farming system

d. Coastal ecosystem management

4. Land Use Planning and Management under Changing Soil and Water Scenario

a. Land management in mountainous, plateau, plains, desert, grassland, alpine regions

b. Shifting cultivation – impacts, management

c. Carbon sequestration potential of soils under different land uses and in agro-climatic regions

5. Biodiversity Conservation for Mitigating Climate change

a. Aforestation and forest management for sustained rural livelihood

b. Biodiversity conservation in different agro-ecological regions vis-a-vis climate change

c. Agro-forestry systems – scope, issues and system combinations

d. Protection and preservation of wildlife and flora & fauna in the adverse environmental conditions.

6. Socio-economic and Gender issues in Natural Resource Management

a. Socio-economic constraints in soil and water conservation

b. Socio-economic development and livelihood support to farming community.

c. Women empowerment in natural resource management

d. Role of women in environmental protection

7. Policy Interventions in Soil and Water Management for Global Food security

a. Global policy framework for ensuring food, energy and livelihood security

b. Community participation in conservation and sustainability interventions

c. Irrigation development and rainfed farming systems

d. Policy interventions on the use of groundwater

8. Bio-Industrial approaches to Watershed for Food and Livelihood Security

a. Bio-industrial watershed management for enhancing income and employment generation

b. Extension, Education and Training initiatives for promotion of soil and water conservation.

c. Use of Bio-industrial waste for development and management of degraded Natural Resources.

 

SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS

Abstracts are invited on any of the above theme areas or other related areas. The abstracts should not exceed 500 words, should be typed in double space leaving 2.5 cm margin on all sides on A-4 paper. Three to five key words should be given below the abstract in italics. The font should be Times New Roman in 12 pt. size. The full papers of accepted abstracts shall be evaluated, edited and may be in the conference proceeding book. The full papers must be restricted to 10-12 pages typed in double space, 12 pt size A-4 paper in Times New Roman font including tables and illustrations. The abstract and full paper should be sent through e-mail aticscsi2019@gmail.com (WASWAC members please also send to waswac@foxmail.com) in MS word format. A committee will review the abstracts and decide about the nature of presentation (oral/poster). Author(s) will be intimated regarding the acceptance of the papers. Awards will be given for the best paper and poster presentation in each thematic area.

 

LANGUAGE

The Official language of the Conference will be English.

 

IMPORTANT DATES

Last date of Abstract submission: May 15, 2019

Intimation of acceptance of abstracts : June 15, 2019

Submission of full length papers : July 30, 2019

Last date for Registration (without late fees)  :   September 1, 2019

Conference opening  :  November 5, 2019

 

VENUE

The Conference will be organized at the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi - 110 012 (India).

 

ACCOMMODATION

The Conference venue is located at the heart of the National Capital. A wide range of hotels are available within a short distance from the Conference venue. First-time visitors to India may find it more convenient to stay at the hotels which are within reasonable distance from the Conference venue. The tariff varies from ? 4,000/- to 15,000/- (US$ 60 to US$ 200) per room per day stay near National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, PUSA Campus, New Delhi. The organizers have negotiated with some of the hotels in vicinity and they agreed to offer discounts for the participants for the conference periods. The list of hotels and their contacts shall be made available on website for direct bookings.

 

REGISTRATION

Conference is open only for the registered participants. Registration fees details are presented below. (Kindly make sure to pay with additional transaction charges on your card, if any)

 

 

	US$
Delegates	300
Delegates Members (SCSI/WASWAC/ISCO)	250
Accompanying person	200
Students	200

Registration fee includes: Conference kit, access to Conference sessions, daily Conference lunches and specified dinners. Also half day local site seeing tour is complimentary. Students are required to produce a valid identity card/ certificate from their Supervisor/Institute for availing the student discount.

Any WASWAC members who wants to get the discount of registration fee, should also send the registration information to the secretariat via waswac@foxmail.com 

Payment of Registration fee: Confirm your registration by payment of non-refundable registration fee either by demand draft in favour of SOIL CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF INDIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2019 payable at New Delhi or through electronic payment. The bank details are as follow:

Name of the account holder	SOIL CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF INDIA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2019
A/C No.	91531010001273
Bank Name & Branch	Syndicate Bank, NASC, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110012
IFSC Code	SYNB0009153
MICR No.	110025175

Please ensure to attach bank/e-transfer details/challan/RTGS transfer details with registration application form at email: icscsi2019@gmail.com.

Note: On the spot registration fees via debit/credit card facilities will not be available.

 

VISA INFORMATION

All foreign nationals visiting India are required to possess a valid International travel document in the form of a National Passport with a valid visa. All individual visa seekers are advised to apply for the Indian visa, through online application link. For details please visit https://indianvisaonline.gov.in. However, a letter from organizers for visa shall be issued on request from individual after acceptance of abstract or confirmation of participant intending to participate in conference. The participant should provide complete address with proof and copy of passport/passport number etc.

 

TENTATIVE PROGRAMME

DAY 1

8:30-10:00 hrs. Registration

9:30-11:00 hrs. Inaugural Session

11:00-11:30 hrs. Hi-tea

11:30-12.15 hrs. Panel Discussion (Key note speaker)

12:15-13:30 hrs. Technical Session I Lead Papers Oral Presentations

13:30-14:30 hrs. Lunch

14:30-16:00 hrs. Technical Session II Lead Papers Oral Presentations

16:00-16:30 hrs. Tea Break

16:30-17:30 hrs. Poster Session I

18:00-19:30 hrs. Cultural Programme

19:30-21:00 hrs. Dinner

DAY 2

09:00-09:45 hrs. Panel Discussion (Key note speaker)

9:45-11:45 hrs. Technical Session III Lead Papers Oral Presentations

11:45-12:00 hrs. Tea Break

12:00-13:45 hrs. Technical Session IV Lead Papers Oral Presentations

13:45-14:30 hrs. Lunch

14:30-16:00 hrs. Technical Session V Lead Papers Oral Presentations

16:00-16:30 hrs. Tea Break

16:30-17:30 hrs. Poster Session II

18:30-21:00 hrs. Gala Dinner

DAY 3

09:00-09:45 hrs. Panel Discussion (Key note speaker)

9:45-11:45 hrs. Technical Session VI Lead Papers Oral Presentations

11:45-12:00 hrs. Tea Break

12:00-13:45 hrs. Technical Session VII Lead Papers Oral Presentations

13:45-14:30 hrs. Lunch

14:30-16:00 hrs. Technical Session VIIIa Lead Papers Oral Presentations

16:00-16:30 hrs. Tea Break

16:30-17:30 hrs. Poster Session III

18:30-21:00 hrs. Dinner

DAY 4

09:00-09:45 hrs. Panel Discussion (Key note speaker)

9:45–11:45 hrs. Poster Session IV & V

11:45-12:00 hrs. Tea Break

12:00-13:45 hrs. Poster Session VI& VII

13:45-14:30 hrs. Lunch

14:30-19:00 hrs. Half day site seeing (local)

19:30-21:00 hrs. Dinner

DAY 5

09:00-09:45 hrs. Panel Discussion (Key note speaker)

9:45–11:45 hrs. Technical Session VIIIb Lead Papers Oral Presentations

11:45-12:00 hrs. Tea Break

12:00-13:45 hrs. Poster Session VIII

13:45-14:30 hrs. Lunch

14:30-16:00 hrs. Sponsored Session/Group Discussion

16:00-16:30 hrs. Tea Break

16:30-18:00 hrs. Valedictory Session

19:30-21:00 hrs. Dinner

 

WEATHER

The weather of New Delhi in November is mildly cool and pleasant. The mean minimum and maximum temperatures are 12°C and 24°C, respectively. However, the venue of the conference and International Guest House is in vast open area with lush green and Eco-friendly environment.

 

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Chairman: Prof. (Dr.) Suraj Bhan, President, SCSI, India

Co-Chair:   Prof. Samir A. El Swaify (ISCO), USA

Prof. Li Rui, President, (WASWAC), China

Dr. Miodrag Zlatic, (WASWAC) Serbia

Convener & Organizing Secretary: Dr. Sanjay Arora

International Committee Members:

Prof Samir A. El Swaify (ISCO), USA

Prof. Li Rui, China

Dr. I. Pla-Sentis (Spain)

Prof. Ning Duihu, (WASWAC)

Dr Scott Van Pelt (ISCO), USA

Prof. R. Lal (IUSS), USA

Dr Rainder Horn (IUSS), Germany

Dr. Takashi Kosaki (IUSS), Japan

Dr Donald Suárez (IUSS), USA

Dr. Miodrag Zlatic, Serbia

Dr Hubert Savenije (IAHS),The Netherlands

Dr Antonio Rodríguez (SECS), Spain

Dr Martin J. Haigh (WASWAC), GB

Dr.Machito Mihara, Japan

Dr. S.H.R. Sadeghi, Iran

Dr.Mike Grundy (Australia)

Dr.Mark A. Nearing (USA)

Dr.Jose Rubio (Spain)

Dr.Mohammad Sabir (Morocco)

Dr. Alok Sikka, IWMI, NewDelhi

Dr. Kaushik Majumdar, Vice-President, Asia, Africa & Middle East, IPNI

Working Committee

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chief Patron, SCSI, New Delhi

Prof. (Dr.) Suraj Bhan, President, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. T.B.S. Rajput, Emeritus Scientist, ICAR - WTC & Advisor, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. S. S. Subramaniyan, Ex Director, DoLR, Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi

Sh. V.W. Ambekar, Ex-Director of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. K. K. Satpathy, Ex. Director, NIRIJAFT, Kolkata

Sh. B. Rath, Technical Expert (WM), NRAA, New Delhi

Dr. B.S. Negi, Former Mission Director, SHM, Uttarakhand

Dr. V.K. Bharti, CPO, ICAR, New Delhi

Sh. Shamsher Singh, Ex Additional Commissioner, NRM, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, New Delhi

Sh. H.S. Lohan, Vice President, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. Sanjay Arora, Vice President, SCSI, New Delhi

Sh. R.A.S. Patel, Vice President, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. R.K. Sahu, Vice President, SCSI, New Delhi

Sh. Jagat Vir Singh, Secretary General, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. Satya Prakash, Joint Secretary, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. Vikas Sharma, Joint Secretary, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Treasurer, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. Anshuman Kohli, Councillor, SCSI, New Delhi

Dr. C.P. Reddy, Deputy Commissioner, DoLR, Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi

Dr. Susama Sudhishri, Principal Scientist (SWCE), WTC, IARI, New Delhi

Sh. C.M. Panday, Ex additional Commissioner NRM, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, New Delhi

Sh. Rajesh Kumar Tiwari, Ex Sr. Joint Commissioner, Command Area, Ministry of Water resources, New Delhi

Dr. N.K. Pareek, Assistant Prof. Agronomy, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Dr. S. Manivannan, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IISWC, Tamil Nadu.

Dr. O.P. Aishwath, Principal Scientist, ICAR- National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Rajasthan

Dr. Prafulla Kumar Mandal, Ex-Additional Director of Agriculture, West Bengal,

Dr. J.K. Singh, Ex Prof. Division of Head, Soil & Water Conservation, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand

Dr. S.K. Singh, JMD, UPBSN, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Dr. Nilay Borah, Professor (Soil Science), Assam Agricultural University, Assam

Sh. O.P. Choudhary, Ex Assistant Commissioner, NRM, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, New Delhi

Dr. DU Pengfei, Secretary, WASWAC

Dr QU Liqin, Executive Editor, ISWCR

 

CONFERENCE TOURE

Mid-Conference Tour

The mid Conference Tour will be organized as part of conference and no additional charges for the delegates.

 

0830 hrs : Pick up from the hotel and proceed for Half Day New Delhi Sightseeing as per the Itinerary given below.

0915 hrs. : Visit the 12th century Qutub-Minar in red and buff sandstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar in AD 1199.

The minar was said to have been built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, the invader from Afghanistan, over the Rajputs in 1192. He raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din IItutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the Minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honeycomb design, more conspicuously in the first storey

1030 hrs. : Later proceed for Humayun Tomb - Humayun's Tomb is situated in Delhi. Humayun's senior widow Bega Begam, popularly known as Haji Begam built the tomb, at a cost of 15 lakh rupees. It was built in the year 1565. It is among the first examples of Mughal architecture, with high arches and a double dome. There are two high double-storey gateways on the west and south that lead to the enclosure. There is a pavilion in the center of the eastern wall and a bath chamber in the center of the northern wall. 

To enter the tomb's chamber one has to come through the south entrance while the other three sides are covered with mesh wire in white marble. In the quietude of the central chamber lies the tomb, though the actual resting-place of Humayun is directly beneath in an underground chamber. The lofty mausoleum is in the center of the enclosure and rises from a podium faced with series of cells having arched openings.

1200 Hrs. : Later proceed for India Gate , Situated at the eastern end of Rajpath in Central Delhi is the 42 m high stone arch of victory, renowned as the India Gate. Formally known as the All India War Memorial previously, the foundation stone of this magnanimous structure was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and dedicated to the nation in 1931 by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the India Gate stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and rises in stages to a huge cornice. Above on both sides is inscribed India, flanked by MCM and to the right, XIX. The names of the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives in World War-I, and an additional 13,516 names who sacrificed their lives in the North-West Frontier in the Afghan War of 1919 are inscribed on the walls of this grand construction.

01245 hrs. : Return to guest house/hotel.

Post Conference Tours

This tour is optional for the delegates. The delegates will be charged an amount of $100.

Two Day Tour : Delhi - Agra (210 km/3.5 hrs)

Visit Agra Fort, a Mughal Architectural tradition that represents the assimilation of different cultures.  Akbar began the construction of this massive red sandstone fort on the banks of River Yamuna in 1565. It was ready by 1571 though additions were made until the rule of Shah Jahan, Akbar’s grandson.

Visit the world famous TajMahal built by Shah Jahan in 1560 in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen brought together from Persia, Turkey, France and Italy and who took 17 year to complete this ‘Monument of Love in Marble’.

FatehpurSikri is also nearby and can be visited. Located 40 kms from Agra, the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569, in honour of the great Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti who blessed Akbar and prophesized the birth of three sons to the heirless Emperor.

OR

Two Day Tour : Delhi - Jaipur (260 km/5.5 hrs)

Visit to Amber Fort which is situated in Amber, which is 11 kilometers from Jaipur. Amber, originally, was the capital of the state before Jaipur. It is an old fort, built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh. This fort is also very popularly known as the Amber Palace.

Visit City Palace, it is a splendid blend of the Rajasthani and the Mughal style of architecture. The entire complex is divided into numerous courtyards, gardens and buildings.

Jantar Mantar. There are plenty of observatories all over the world, but the Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest observatories ever built. Jaipur was the seat of Maharaja Jai Singh II during the 1720's and this is when this magnificent structure was built here.

The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen, all monuments are located in the vicinity of City Palace Complex of Jaipur.

Tour cost to be borne by the individual participant. On prior intimation along with registration, the tour will be booked.

Technical tours

The organizers will arrange for one day tours to site of erosion management in foothill region and ravine land management. Pre-conference technical tour will be arranged in November 3-4, 2019 (Chandigarh/Agra), and post-conference tour will be arranged during November 10-11, 2019 (Dehradun/Karnal). The details of the sites to be visited are as follows.

Karnal: A city located in National Capital Region in the state of Haryana, is known as the rice bowl of India. It is centrally located between Delhi and Chandigarh and is 123 km from Delhi. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute is located here pioneered in the rejuvenating the salt affected lands through advanced techniques and feasible approaches. It is an internationally recognised esteemed centre of excellence in salinity research. One can get live demonstrations of Integrated farming system & multi-enterprise model, agroforestry, conservation agriculture and drainage techniques for reclamation and management of salt affected soils and use of poor quality irrigation waters.

 

Dehradun: It is the capital city of the Indian state Uttarakhand located in the Himalayan foothills. It is the education hub in north India and famous Forest Research Institute and Anthropological Museum are located here. Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC) has its head quarters here. An exposure visit of participants helps to understand the experiences and impact of developing watershed in different sites in foothill region. IISWC (erstwhile CSWCRTI) is involved in development and dissemination of technologies for conservation of soil, water and other natural resources and their conservative uses. Particularly the participatory water resource development and participatory research executed by CSWCRTI as worth emulating interventions.

Agra: 200 km distance from New Delhi with driving time of 3 hours. Large scale land development works on Soil Conservation, rejuvenation and restoration of devastated ravine lands in the catchment of river Yamuna and Chambal.

CONFERENCE UPDATES

Information contained in the circular and all updates are available at the website of SCSI http://scsi.org.in

Conference Website: http://soilconservation.org

and WASWAC official website: www.waswac.org

 

Download here: WASWAC World Conference IV - flyer.pdf