Call for Abstracts

DEADLINE: Friday, February 9, 2018, at 5:00 pm (ChST)

DOWNLOAD THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS INFORMATION PACKET

Background

The 9th University of Guam Regional Conference on Island Sustainability will take place March 27-30, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Guam with pre-conference events scheduled on March 26 and 27. Last year at the 8th conference, participants recognized the urgency to act on sustainability issues. They shared tools to communicate the science behind sustainability challenges to our communities in order to inspire the adoption of sustainable practices. The 2018 conference theme, Island Alliance for Sustainable Action, will move us toward stronger relationships among islands and ‘islanded communities’ which are facing similar challenges due to geographic remoteness and related factors. Leaders in sustainability from Micronesia, Asia, Hawaii, Alaska, the U.S. mainland, and the Caribbean-Atlantic will be invited to participate in this conference. Join us in March 2018 for the 9th Regional Conference on Island Sustainability as we discuss best practices and develop plans to take action on sustainability together.=

Invitation for Abstract Submissions

The annual University of Guam Regional Conference on Island Sustainability is a blend of scholarship, advocacy, and action. We encourage diverse abstract submissions from academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, teachers, students, and the general community.

1. Call for Research: Abstracts of current or recent research findings are requested. These abstracts should include a description of replicable methods that contribute to the understanding of island sustainability challenges.
   
   
2. Call for Action: Abstracts for presentations that will inspire sustainable action in our communities are requested. These submissions should be evidence-based solutions or plans that will contribute to solving the challenges of island sustainability. Case-studies may be included. Please make sure to provide a statement in the abstract that suggests an implementation plan following the conference.

REPEAT ABSTRACTS WILL NOT BE SELECTED. The Abstract Review Committee urges that proposals consist of new research or ideas that have not been presented at a previous Conference on Island Sustainability. Exceptions will be made for research projects with significant updates, which should be detailed in the submitted abstract. You are invited to select your preferred presentation type (e.g. oral presentation, workshop, poster). However, the committee will make the final determination based on the number and quality of proposals.

Conference Tracks and Suggested Topics: 

Overarching topics between sessions

• What barriers prevent sustainable practices from being adopted in islands and ‘islanded communities’ and how can they be overcome?
• How can islands and ‘islanded communities’ prepare for and adapt to global climate change impacts, affecting all sectors of society?

1) Sustainable Environments 

• What is contributing to the environmental degradation of island ecosystems, and what solutions are available to reduce degradation and/or restore healthy ecosystems?

• What sustainable activities can be implemented to promote healthier terrestrial, aquatic, and marine island environments?
• What can be done to improve food security and reduce reliance on imported goods?

2) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• What is the current outlook for our region’s energy future?
• What programs or practices are available for residential and commercial consumers to use energy sustainably?
• What are the challenges in adopting renewable energy in islands, and how do we overcome them?

3) Green Business, Sustainable Tourism, Responsible Development

•  How can we catalyze sustainable change at multiple scales (producer, distributor, retailers, consumer)?
•  How can increased visitors and revenue be achieved while implementing sustainable and responsible practices?
•  What sustainable designs and land-use practices can be incorporated in the planning process (e.g. Development Master Plans)?
•  What advancements in technology can be applied to local food production, processing, packaging, and delivery to reduce dependence on imports?

4) Education, Workforce Development, and Capacity Building

•  What is being done to engage our community and K-12 students on issues of sustainability?
•  What capacity are we lacking in our region to address sustainability challenges?
•  Where do we need to connect the dots for students to major in STEM, sustainability, and green technology fields and ensure local jobs are ready and available for them?
   

5) Sustainable Policy

• What sustainability policies are our islands lacking, and what can be done to improve enforcement of existing policies?
• What policies should be considered to responsibly accommodate incoming military personnel, regional migrants, and natural population growth?
• What policies are needed to safeguard long-term conservation efforts?

6) 4th Guam Coral Reef Symposium

Pre-Conference full-day symposium on March 27, 2018

• Managing land-based sources of pollution to protect coral reefs
• Coral reef fisheries management
• Climate change and coral reef resilience
• Coral reefs and human communities
• New tools and scientific advancements for coral reef management

Please submit the following via Google Forms or fill out the form below. 

1) Author Name(s)

2) Institution or Organization

3) Contact information

4) Title of Presentation

5) Abstract (one paragraph, strict 150-word limit)

6) Key takeaway message of presentation (1 to 2 sentences)

7) Preferred Presentation Type: oral presentation/workshop/poster

8) Preferred conference track (e.g. Sustainable Environments, Coral Reef Symposium)

9) Logistics/equipment or other special requests

Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 9, 2018, at 5:00 pm (ChST). Notification of selections will be made no later than February 16, 2018. If you are selected to present, handouts and PowerPoint presentations must be submitted in an electronic format no later than March 23, 2018. If you have any questions, please contact Sustainability Coordinator, Phil Cruz or Center for Island Sustainability Executive Director, Dr. Austin Shelton.