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deadline for early booking is the 1st December 2008

conference website: 
www.symposium.lu/hotspots/
www.symposium.lu/hotspots/programme.aspx

Theme
The conservation of biological diversity has become a very important topic in science and
politics since the Rio Convention in 1992. One of the key objectives is the conservation of
biodiversity hotspots - centers of high numbers of ecosystems, species and/or genes. The
current diversity patterns are strongly influenced by historic effects such as ice ages. Those
areas were mostly not negatively influenced by glacial periods. In this context, the evolution
and development of such hotspots of biodiversity is of particular importance and often
developed by long-time isolation producing distinct genetic groups or even new species,
endemic for often small areas.

Many studies, particular during the last ten years have focused on these areas studied using
molecular and classical approaches, giving us key information on the pattern of species
distribution in today´s world.

The proposed meeting will focus on the discussion of the development and status of areas
with exceptionally high diversity, which are mostly not adequatly protected. This situation has
recently aggravated to rising anthropogenic landuse and climate change. We will there
provide a platform for scientists and stakeholders to discuss the development of biodiversity
hotspots and strategies to protect these regions by conservation management.

Organisation and scientific committee
J. C. Habel, MNHN Luxembourg, Zoology of Invertebrates
P. Dieker, MNHN Luxembourg, Zoology of Invertebrates
T. Assmann, Leuphana University Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology
A. Hochkirch, University Trier, Biogeography
T. Schmitt, University Trier, Biogeography
F. Zachos, University Kiel, Faculty of Zoology

Conference venue Abbey of Neumuenster, Luxembourg
http://www.symposium.lu/hotspots/gallery.aspx

invited list of speakers:

W. Erdelen  

B. Emerson

J. Mallet

B. Hölldobler

P. Taberlet

M. Veith

G. Hewitt

W. Salzburger

C.M. Roberts

 J. Michaux

R.A. Mittermeier