During the first four days in October, we will be bringing together scientists, conservationists and the public in the Algarve, Portugal, for an international congress looking at the latest research and conservation of vultures in Europe and beyond, in our first European Vulture Conference. The fourth day of the conference will be dedicated to field trips, exploring the stunning surroundings, observing vultures and other Portuguese wildlife.
One of the vulture conservation experts joining us is André Botha, who will deliver a keynote presentation that will take us beyond Europe, discussing the ongoing efforts to conserve vultures across Africa. So, join us at the European Vulture Conference to hear first hand about the latest insights of vulture conservation in Africa!
Review our Scientific Programme and discover the other fascinating topics and speakers.
Contribution to the conference
Of the nine species of vultures resident in Africa, four are currently listed as critically endangered while another three species are endangered. André Botha was the overarching coordinator for the drafting of the Vulture Multi-species Action Plan (Vulture MsAP) for the Conservation of African-Eurasian Vultures during 2016-2017 and is currently responsible for the implementation of components of the Plan in sub-Sahara Africa. He will share with us some of the challenges and setbacks in the implementation of the plan in an African context. But, most importantly, he will share with us some of the early progress and successes that are being achieved by implementing partners to halt and reverse the decline of Africa’s Vultures against sometimes seemingly insurmountable odds.
Profile
Having worked in conservation in Africa for more than 30 years, André Botha is currently Manager of the Vultures for Africa Programme at the Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa and previously managed the Trust’s Birds of Prey Programme between 2004-2016. He has been co-chair of the IUCN SSC Vulture Specialist Group since 2012 and was appointed Overarching Coordinator for the drafting of the Convention on Migratory Species Multi-species Action Plan for African-Eurasian Vultures that was adopted by signatories at CMS COP12 in Manilla, Philippines in October 2017. His current work primarily focuses on the implementation of this Plan in sub-Sahara Africa and addressing the major threat to vultures on the continent, namely poisoning. In addition, he was instrumental in the establishment of the International Vulture Awareness Day which was established in 2009 and is observed on the first Saturday of September annually and which has become a global event since it was first held in 2009. Although the primary focus of his work has been focused on vulture conservation and reducing the impact of wildlife poisoning, he was also involved in a range of research and monitoring projects focused on raptors, owls and Southern Ground Hornbills in southern Africa.
The European Vulture Conference
1-4 October
Algarve, Portugal
Participate at Europe’s largest gathering of scientists, conservationists and researchers who are working to protect and conserve Europe’s vultures.
There are two ticket types available:
- €75 full price
- €37.5 for student tickets. (You must be a registered student at a university to be eligible)
The ticket includes:
- Bus transfer from and to the Lisbon or Faro Airport to the venue (upon request)
- Access to all presentations and side activities
- Field trip on the fourth day
- Snacks and drinks during breaks
- Buffet lunch for the four days
You can register until the 31st of August.
Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements of the conference by following our Facebook Event Page and #Vultures2019 on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
