GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION
This conference will bring together practitioners of biodiversity conservation
from throughout the region, and the world, to share experiences and learn effective
strategies for preserving Asias biodiversity. The anticipated outcome
of the conference will be an enhanced understanding of how conservation biology
can best be developed and promoted in Asia, and improved working relationships
between conservation biologists throughout the region.
The conference will consist of four days of oral presentations, workshops,
poster presentations and conservation films. A post-conference excursion will
be available to Royal Chitwan Conservation Park. Many other day excursions are
also possible.
Very strong interest in the conference has led to more than 160 oral presentations
and 60 posters being accepted. We anticipate a lively exchange of idea and information!
The
tentative Conference Agenda is now available.
REGISTRATION
The REGULAR REGISTRATION fee is $70 USD which includes admission to all sessions,
conference materials and buffet lunch each day. Registration is REQUIRED to
attend any conference session or event.
To accommodate students who wish to present posters, a STUDENT POSTER registration
fee of $10 USD is available. This will allow presentation of posters and attendance
at the evening poster session on 18 November ONLY. Poster can be displayed for
3 days (17 - 19 November). This registration type is available to students only.
REGISTER ONLINE NOW!!
Do you want to avoid long lines at the conference registration table? Its easy
to register and pay all fees online today!!!! Registration at the conference
will be in USD only by cash or credit card.
CLOSING BANQUET
No one should visit Nepal without tasting the culture. To ensure a memorable
visit we have selected the Bhojan Griha Restaurant as the site for our closing
banquet. A sumptuous dinner of Neplai foods will be accompanied by a festive
evening of folk music and cultural dances from the lowlands, middle hills, and
mountain Sherpas. Relish true Nepali food in the lively cultural ambience!
Tickets must be purchased by 19 Nov. $12 USD/person. You can purchase tickets
using the Online Registration System. Transport Provided from the Yak and Yeti.
POST-CONFERENCE TOUR TO CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
Visit this world famous nature reserve and receive a personalized tour designed
just for our conference participants! Only $160 USD per person for this 4-day
once-in-a lifetime trip. Meals, transportation and accommodations included!
Reserve your place today! You can sign up for this trip using the Online Registration
System.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants should make arrangements for accommodations as soon as possible.
We have secured special rates at the conference venue (Yak and Yeti Hotel) and
offer information and reservation services at number of other local hotels and
guest houses. Click here for more information.
Most hotels can be reserved through SITA WORLD TRAVEL tours using the following
email address: sanjaym@sitanepal.com or visit their web site www.sitanepal.com
The Kathmandu Guest House accommodations are reserved via Nepal Nature: (contact
Om Prakash Shrestha, email: mail@nepalnature.com).
ATTENDANCE GRANTS
A limited number of attendance grants and honoraria will possibly be available,
pending funding. These will be awarded based on need, and preference will be
given to applicants who will be making an oral presentation or who are participating
in a panel discussion or leading a thematic session. Announcements related to
these grants will be made as soon as possible.
COMMUNICATIONS
Email facilities are available at the conference venue and we will provide
more information on other locations in your conference kit.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- November is in the dry season after the monsoon, so health problems should
be minimal. However, certain rules should be observed:
Check with your local health authorities for recommended vaccinations, especially
if you will go on the Chitwan Park excursion after the conference. Plan ahead
on this one since some vaccinations must be taken well in advance to be effective.
- Bring plenty of insect repellant, especially if you go to Chitwan. Most
of the health hazards are illnesses carried by mosquito or tick bites.
- Always drink bottled mineral water or boiled drinks such as tea. Bring along
a reusable water bottle since mineral water dispensers will provide free water
at the conference.
- Beware of ice and also of ice cream sold on the street. Fruits and vegetables
should be rinsed in purified water, or peeled.
- If you need prescription medications, bring along enough to cover your
visit. It would also be good to bring along medicines for standard traveler's
complaints (headaches, diarrhea, nausea, etc.).
- A doctor can be called to the conference venue in case of illness. Be sure
you have your traveler's health insurance in good order since you may need
to pay and be reimbursed at home.
CLIMATE AND CLOTHING
- Kathmandu is pleasant in November with warm days and cool evenings. A light
jacket for the evening may be useful. Chitwan is warm and humid.
- If in doubt what to pack, you can probably buy what you need in Kathmandu.
Clothing is inexpensive and of good quality in Nepal, and trekking clothes
are of course quite popular.
- Modest clothing is recommended, especially for women. Loose cotton clothing
makes more sense than Lycra. The conference is not formal and we do have lots
of field excursions, so dress down rather than dress up, and wear walking
shoes.
MONEY
- Currency exchange rates at time of this document (1 July 2005, check for
conversion rates before travel) are:
1 US dollar = 70.36 Nepal rupees
1 euro = 85.07 Nepal rupees
1 Indian rupee = 1.61 Nepal rupees
1 Pakistan rupee = 1.18 Nepal rupees
- ATM machines are available in a few locations in Kathmandu. Near the conference
venue, there is an ATM. Nepal's ATM's will take Visa and MasterCard, but not
Cirrus.
- It is advised to carry enough cash and traveler's checks to cover expenses
if you stay in budget accommodations.
- When you exchange money, save your receipts. They will be useful in converting
your Nepalese cash back to foreign currency when you leave.
VISAS AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
- Visas. All foreigners except Indians need visas to enter Nepal. These can
be obtained at the Nepal Embassy in your country, or at the airport on your
arrival. However, it is safest and less hassle to get the visa before you
arrive.
- Travel arrangements can be made via SITA WORLD TRAVEL Tours, which is helping
us with the conference.
TRIBHUVAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
- The x-ray machines are not film safe. Be sure to have your film and camera
hand-checked instead.
- A tourist information counter (Nepal Tourism Board) is located in the arrival
lounge where clients will pick up their baggage. Check there for messages
or to contact SITA WORLD TRAVEL
- You can get to central Kathmandu using the taxi stand outside arrivals.
Use only the official taxis. It will cost you about 20 USD to get to Yak and
Yeti or your hotel.
- If you have booked your accommodations via SITA WORLD TRAVEL (see under
accommodations), airport transfer is included in the hotel rates. Airport
transfer will be provided via coach.
- Green Channel. Passengers arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA)
without any dutiable goods can proceed through the Green Channel for quick
clearance without a baggage check. If you are carrying dutiable articles,
you have to pass through the Red Channel for detailed customs clearance.
- Import: Apart from personal belongings, visitors are allowed
to bring to Nepal free of duty cigarettes (200) or cigars (50), distilled
liquor (one 1.15 liter bottle), and film (15 rolls). You can also bring in
the following articles free of duty on condition that you take them out
with you when you leave: binoculars, movie or video camera, still camera,
laptop computer, and portable music system.
- Export: It is illegal to export objects over 100 years
old (sacred images, paintings, manuscripts) that are valued for culture and
religious reasons. Visitors are advised not to purchase such items as they
are Nepal's cultural heritage and belong here. The Department of
Archaeology at Ramshah Path near Singha Durbar has to certify all metal statues,
sacred paintings and similar objects before they are allowed to be sent or
carried out of the country. Handicraft dealers and travel agents are able
to assist you in this process.
- Airport Tax: Rs.770/- per person for
departure to SAARC (South Asian) countries and Rs.1,100/- for departure to
other international destinations.
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