Thimphu, Bhutan
2nd-22nd June 2018
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Please note: Registration is closed..
Introduction
Since the first International Tree-Ring Conference, the field of tree-ring research has grown at a phenomenal rate. Much of the discipline’s expansion can be accounted by the increasing numbers of students and scholars in developing countries. Despite the growing number of contributions from this sector of our community there has yet to be an international conference in a developing nation. We intend to change that history by holding the 2018 International Tree-ring Conference in Thimphu, Bhutan.
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan faces two profound and immediate threats from climate change. First, altered precipitation patterns and accelerated glacial melting generates glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) and other flooding events, endangering life, livelihood, and cultural heritage. Second, changing and uncertain streamflow creates challenges for the generation of hydropower, which is the keystone of Bhutan’s economic future. Bhutan is not unique in this position; the spectre of adverse climate change impacts on the world’s mountain communities is a very real threat. Therefore, in addition to the traditional session topics in Dendrochronology, we extend a special invitation to those working in developing countries, and on climate change impacts in mountain environments to come to Bhutan and present your findings, and have those discussions that will improve your science and the science of others.
In 2018 we hope to mark the beginning of a new way to organize and present conferences like World Dendro. Under the proposed structure the conference will:
i) include multiple forums in which students and educators of natural sciences in Bhutan can participate without cost,
ii) multiple venues open to the general public where interested citizens can learn about the latest environmental discoveries, and
iii) create a monetary fund to support young scientists in the host country.
We hope you will embrace this initiative and help us set the example for the future.
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| Mr. Shacha Dorji Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research |
Dr. Edward R. Cook Tree-Ring Lab, LDEO Columbia University |
Mr. Paul J. Krusic Department of Geography University of Cambridge |