Second World Congress on Natural History Collections

    **** Moderator's comments:   This announcement has been
    truncated because it was very long (including a length
    registration form). For more info/registration form, contact
    either Chris Collins <cjc1001 [at] esc__cam__ac__uk> or Sally Shelton
    <libsdnhm [at] class__org>.

Natural History Collections--A Resource for the Future
Second World Congress on the Preservation and Conservation of
Natural History Collections
Sponsored by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research
Council
20th-24th August 1996

Hosted by the Geological Conservation Unit, the Sedgwick Museum and
the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Cambridge.

Patrons: Sir David Attenborough
Lord Dainton
Sir Crispin Tickell

Natural History Collections document the range and abundance of
species through time, providing a priceless and irreplaceable record
of the planet's natural heritage.  Recognition of their status as a
valuable and unique resource has increased dramatically in recent
years and the high profile of the Congress is reflected by its
patrons (above).  The Congress intends to develop the challenges
inherent in preserving natural history collections to the year 2000
and beyond and to push forward philosophies and strategies to meet
these challenges.

The first World  Congress in Madrid in 1992 attracted 500 delegates
from 70 countries. It was a major success in establishing world-wide
communication and awareness and led to the submission of the
resolutions on the development of Natural History Collections as a
world- wide resource to the  UNCED meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The major issues that will be discussed at the congress include:

1.  The use and development of collections in industry,research and
    education.

2.  Accessibility of collections using Information
    technology,databases and international data exchange.

3.  Current techniques in the care and management of collections.

4.  Current condition of collections in the developed and developing
    countries.

5.  The media image of natural history collections.

6.  Economic and fund-raising aspects.

7.  Strategies for the future including the practical development of
    the World Council on Collections resources (WCCR).  This body
    acts as an umbrella group with the aim of promoting worldwide:

    a. international co-ordination between groups and institutions;
    b. standards in collection management;
    c. Communication between workers in the field;
    d. the public understanding of the value and importance of these
       collections.

8.  Finally and most importantly, the development of Natural History
    Collections in Developing Countries as a socio-economic
    resource.

This will be a practical Congress, providing practical solutions for
the continued development and support of Natural Science Collections
around the world.

Participants from developing countries will be particularly welcomed
and urged to participate in the congress. Every possible assistance
will be given to attract funding to support participants from
developing countries, so that these countries can influence the
future practical initiatives being developed.

The Congress will be structured around discussion sessions and
Workshops involving every participant at the meeting.  These will be
led by a lecture structure designed to initiate communication and
discussion. Poster sessions relating to the discussion topics will
also be run, for which all participants are invited to submit
abstracts for posters.  Information on poster abstracts will be sent
out with the information pack.

...

Registration - Full registration includes attendance at the
congress, poster sessions and workshops, coffee and tea at the
meeting and attendance at the Congress Receptions. Guest
registration includes attendance at the congress receptions and
copies of the congress programme.

Reduced rates apply before 31st May 1996

                    Before              After
Full Participant:   # 150               # 175
Accompanying Guest  #  50               # 70
Congress Banquet    #  30 per person
Other meals         #  20 /person/night

...

Sally Shelton
Director, Collections Care and Conservation

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:46
                 Distributed: Monday, December 4, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-46-008
                                  ***