Island Sustainability Conference

The University of Guam will host its 2nd Annual Regional Conference on Island Sustainability for Guam and Micronesia on April 19-20, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The theme of this year's conference is - Guam 2050 - Developing our Sustainable Future: What is the Cost of Doing Nothing? This event, sponsored by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability, will create a venue for deliberation of sustainability issues related to indigenous solutions, be they economic, social/cultural, educational, environmental, or energy related.

The Conference goals are as follows:

1. Provide an open forum for presenting indigenous, sustainable solutions for Guam in light of the unprecedented changes we face in this and the near decades as a outcome to the military buildup.
   
2. Present theoretical and practical models of sustainability that are both appropriate and replicable to small island communities in the Western Pacific.
   
3. To focus on the economic development potential from renewable and alternative energy sources to increase energy security as a major key to island sustainability in the 21st century.
   
4. Provide the forum for exchanging ideas, policy, technologies, and concerns amongst regional community and political leaders, academics, businesses, students and military leadership with an eye to implementable solutions that contribute to the triple bottom line of economic development, environmental stewardship, and social progress.

In developing a Micronesia-centric approach to sustainability issues and planning, the Center for Island Sustainability seeks indigenous solutions for creating opportunities and meeting the challenges consequential to the impending military buildup and the critical concerns about climate change which disproportionately affects small island societies.

Today, sustainability is everyone's business. This 2nd regional conference is seeking interested parties to present a summary of relevant proposals and/or projects that present opportunities for partnering toward solutions for developing our sustainable future. We invite all to participate in this conference given that all are affected. We especially are seeking unique ideas, innovative approaches, and replicable, implementable research that identify indigenous solutions.

This conference is sponsored as a partnership between the University of Guam and federal agencies including the Department of Defense (Navy) and the Department of Interior. Our strong partnership and collaboration with Government of Guam agencies and other governments in the Micronesian Region, accentuate our truly regional focus.

Our two-day conference begins with reflections on the theme of the critical challenges in the Western Pacific Region and requisite actions to ensure sustainability. Our five tracks are convened for private and public sector businesses, community advocates, civilian and military spokespersons, and educators to address renewable energy options, problems, opportunities, and linkages. Sessions will consist of four/five presenters for one hour and fifteen minutes each, inclusive of Q&A. Poster sessions and presentation tables will also be available for commercial and educational exhibits.

The five tracks are listed below. Further information can be found at http://www.uog.edu/dynamicdata/IslandSustainabilityConference.aspx?siteid=1&p=621

Track (1) -Modeling Sustainable Energy Management-

How will Guam's built environment evolve to help manage the transition over the next four decades to secure, sustainable, low carbon energy systems that meet the needs of society, the requirements of the economy, and the expectation of individuals.

Track (2) - Replicable & Appropriate Technological Innovations -

This must include emergent technologies and traditional methodologies for addressing our local, unique challenges as Island communities.

Track (3) - Policy Implementation -

For effective policy implementation, there needs to be a team of thinkers and experts who take responsibility to create a research-based policy and establishes an accountable framework, community engagement, and outreach components that meet the needs of Guam's social, environmental and economic needs while being future-focused on indigenous and renewable energy.

Track (4) -Sustainable Environments -

Sustainable Development is "development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Sustainability can only be measured through the triple bottom line of environmental protection, sustained economic growth and inclusion of a societal narrative with social equity.

Track (5) -Conservation of our Natural Environment -

Conservation issues relate to a broad set of topics, but in general focus upon the methods, policies, principles and study of the sustainability, management, and preservation in all natural environments. Specific challenges for Guam include, but are not limited to:

• Climate change - Sea level rise, ocean acidification, etc.
  
• Environmental degradation - marine ecosystems, aquifers, habitat destruction, etc.
  
• Land use and management - soil degradation & erosion, wetlands, indigenous forests, etc.
  
• Bio-security - biodiversity, invasive species, endangered species, pollinator decline, etc.

If you would like to present at the conference, please forward the following information to Samuel C. Walker - swalker@uguam.uog.edu - TEL: 671-734-8267 or 671-735-2976 Fax: 671-734-2296

1. Your Name (as it should appear in the program)
   
2. Title of Presentation
   
3. Abstract (one paragraph)
   
4. Type of Presentation: Lecture/Panel/Exhibit/Poster
   
5. Preferred time of presentation (if needed)
   
6. Logistic/equipment requirements

Deadline for submissions is 4:00 p.m., Friday, March, 25, 2011. Notification of selections will be made no later than Friday, April 1, 2011. If you are selected to present, handouts and PowerPoint presentations must be submitted in an electronic format no later than Friday, April 8, 2011. All proposals will be peer-reviewed based upon relevancy to the theme and our proscribed tracks.

Provided by University of Guam