Resilient Landscapes: Innovations and Traditions in Climate-Adaptive Soil and Water Conservation

 (RISE-SWC)

Rabat, Morocco, September 15^th-17^th, 2025

 

Organized by

The World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC)

and

Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)

About the Conference

As global climate change continues to intensify, soil and water resources are facing unprecedented challenges. The frequent occurrence of extreme weather events due to climate change, such as heavy rainfall, droughts and floods, crop growth cycles and yields are affected, challenging agricultural production, water availability is threatened and water scarcity is a growing problem are putting tremendous pressure on soil and water resource systems.  Soil erosion can have a significant impact on agricultural production, water availability and ecosystem health. Therefore, in the context of climate change, how to effectively manage and protect soil and water resources has become a hot issue of global concern.

To join hands in addressing this global challenge, the World Association for Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC), in collaboration with the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), is organizing on the 6^th WASWAC World Conference on "Resilient Landscapes: Innovations and Traditions in Climate-Adaptive Soil and Water Conservation" (RISE-SWC), scheduled from 15 to 17 September  2025 in Rabat, Morocco. The conference will provide an exchange platform for soil and water resources conservation on a global scale, fostering collaboration among scientists, experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world. The RISE-SWC conference will explore cutting-edge strategies in the context of climate change, practical solutions will be proposed to provide strong support for addressing global climate change challenges. Participants will engage in discussions on innovative practices, integrating traditional wisdom with modern technologies, and addressing social and economic challenges. The conference aims to propose actionable solutions that can strengthen global efforts to combat climate change impacts on soil and water systems, support sustainable development, and promote technological and scientific advancements in these critical fields.

Sub-themes

1. Impact of climate change on soil erosion and coping strategies

2. The role of water resources management in addressing climate change

3. Challenges and opportunities of land use planning and management in the context of climate change

4. Integration of traditional wisdom and modern technology in soil and water management

5. Social and economic considerations in soil and water management

6. Strategic shifts in soil and water conservation practices and technologies to address climate change

7. Monitoring and early warning mechanisms in soil and water management

8. Soil and water conservation in production and construction projects

Call for abstracts:

Abstracts are invited on any of the above theme areas or other related areas. The abstracts should not exceed 300 words, should be typed follow the template in attached file. The abstract and the registration form (download here Registration form for 6th WASWAC World Conference.docx) should be sent through e-mail at RISE-SWC@inra.ma and make a copy to waswac@vip.163.com in MS word format. Author(s) will be intimated regarding the acceptance of the abstracts.

Important dates:

Abstract submission begin: January 1, 2025

Last date of abstract submission: May 30, 2025

Intimation of acceptance of abstracts: June 30, 2025

Registration fee payment begin: January 1, 2025

Registration:

Conference is open only for the registered participants. Registration fee is as follows:

Delegates (Non-members): USD 350

WASWAC Members: USD 300

Councillors of WASWAC or Editorial Members of ISWCR: USD 250

Students: USD 250

Accompany Person: USD 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.

The members of WASWAC and students are required to provide a valid certificate released by WASWAC Secretariat and the Supervisor/ Institute, respectively, for availing the discount.

Payment completed by April 30, 2025 can get USD 50 off discount for delegates (Non-members). 

Other Information:

Venue

Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Avenue de la Victoire BP 415, 10090 Rabat, Morocco.

Language

The Official Language of the Conference will be English.   

Tour

Technical mid conference tour will be organized during the Conference for the participants to know about the city scenery and representative soil and water related techniques.

Visa Information

In accordance with Morocco policy, whether you need a visa for Morocco depends on your nationality. You’ll fall into 1 of these 3 categories:

1. Visa-exempt: Passport holders from certain countries can enter Morocco without a visa and stay for up to 90 days.

2. Visa required: All other nationalities must have a valid visa for Morocco.

3. eTA required: Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for Morocco, but they must have an Electronic Travel Authorization. This permit is also known as the Electronic Voyage Morocco (AEVM).

For details please visit Morocco e-Visa Requirements and Entry Documents (moroccovisa.com). 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.

Insurance

The organizers are not responsible for individual medical, travel or personal insurance. Participants are strongly advised to take their own insurance policies.

Opportunities for Co-Sponsors

Co-sponsors of the conference are offered with multiple opportunities including placement of their organization/company logo/emblem in the backdrop, advertisement in souvenir, etc. For more information, please contact Dr. Tarik Benabdelouahab at tarik.benabdelouahab@inra.ma

Conference updates

The special conference website will be established before January, 2025. Any information contained in the notice and all updates are also available on the WASWAC and INRA websites at www.waswac.org.cn and www.inra.org.ma.

Contacts

The WASWAC Secretariat:

YANG Songdi: waswac@vip.163.com  

DU Pengfei: waswac@foxmail.com

The Conference Secretariat:

BENABDELOUAHAB Tarik: tarik.benabdelouahab@inra.ma 

 

 

Training: " Youth Capacity for Resilient Soil and Water Conservation in a Changing Climate"

Rabat, Morocco, September 18^th-19^th, 2025

 

Organized by

The World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC),

International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation (IRTCES)

and

Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)

Training Overview: In response to the growing challenges posed by climate change on soil and water resources, the World Association for Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC) and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) are proud to present a specialized training program designed for young scientists, from 18^th to 19^th September 2025 in Rabat. This training, held in conjunction with the 6th WASWAC World Conference, aims to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills to face soil erosion and water scarcity, two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Title of the Training: "Empowering Youth Scientists for Climate-Resilient Soil and Water Conservation: Erosion, Climate Change, and Sustainable Solutions"

The training will bring together young (below <45 years old) researchers and professionals to engage in a two-day program combining lectures and interactive work group sessions. The thematic focus will be on understanding the impacts of climate change on soil and water systems, identifying local challenges, and developing actionable solutions tailored to African regions. Through this collaborative platform, participants will learn to apply cutting-edge technologies, integrate traditional knowledge, and develop climate-adaptive conservation strategies.

Key topics covered will include:

• The impacts of climate change on soil erosion and water resources. 
• Innovative soil conservation techniques and erosion control strategies. 
• Sustainable water management practices for drought- and flood-prone regions. 
• Integrating traditional knowledge with modern solutions for climate-resilient landscapes.