Call for Abstracts

DEADLINE: Friday, March 1, 2019, at 5:00 pm (ChST)

Submission form below

Background

You are invited to submit an abstract to present at the 10^th University of Guam Regional Conference on Island Sustainability by March 1, 2019. Pre-conference events start on April 8, 2019 followed by the main conference from April 9-12, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Guam. As we approach the tenth conference, we reflect on a decade of renewed focus brought to the ancient island value of sustainability. The 2019 theme, ‘Sustainable Then. Sustainable Again?’ recalls our past as a sustainable society and asks if and how we can be sustainable again.

Traditional island navigators teach the importance of looking back where you came from in order to sail forward to your destination. A blend of historical perspectives and modern innovations will provide conference participants with new tools and ideas to move our islands toward a sustainable future. 

The 10^th conference will continue to encourage action to achieve sustainability, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the smart thing to do. Decreasing reliance on imports, improving energy independence, and increasing food security all reduce the export of money and build a thriving local economy, more resilient to disasters and global changes.

Invitation for Abstract Submissions

The annual University of Guam Regional Conference on Island Sustainability is a blend of scholarship, advocacy, and action. We encourage diverse abstract submissions from academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, teachers, students, and the general community.

• Call for Research: Abstracts of current or recent research findings are requested. These abstracts should include a description of replicable methods that contribute to the understanding of island sustainability challenges.

• Call for Action: Abstracts for presentations that will inspire sustainable action in our communities are requested. These submissions should be evidence-based solutions or plans that will contribute to solving the challenges of island sustainability. Case-studies may be included. Please make sure to provide a statement in the abstract that suggests an implementation plan following the

REPEAT ABSTRACTS WILL NOT BE SELECTED. The Abstract Review Committee urges that proposals consist of new research or ideas that have not been presented at a previous Conference on Island Sustainability. Exceptions will be made for research projects with significant updates, which should be detailed in the submitted abstract. You are invited to select your preferred presentation type (e.g. oral presentation, workshop, poster). However, the committee will make the final determination based on the number and quality of proposals.                                                                                     

Conference Tracks and Suggested Topics:

Overarching topics between sessions

Sustainable Then. What sustainability lessons can we take from the history of island societies and apply them today for a sustainable future?

Sustainable Again? Can we be a sustainable society again, and if so, what innovations and strategies will help us get there?

1.) Sustainable Environments

• What is contributing to the environmental degradation of island ecosystems, and what solutions are available to reduce degradation and/or restore healthy ecosystems?
• What sustainable activities can be implemented to promote healthier terrestrial, aquatic, and marine island environments?
• What can be done to improve food security and reduce reliance on imported goods?

 2.) Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• What is the current outlook for our region’s energy future?
• What programs or practices are available for residential and commercial consumers to use energy sustainably?
• What are the challenges in adopting renewable energy in islands, and how do we overcome them?

 3. Circular Economy and Sustainable Development

• What circular economy initiatives can be promoted to design out waste and create new industries?
• How can increased visitors and revenue be achieved while implementing sustainable and responsible practices?
• What sustainable designs and land-use practices can be incorporated in the planning process (e.g. Development Master Plans)?
• What advancements in technology can be applied to local food production, processing, packaging, and delivery to reduce dependence on imports?

 4.) Education, Workforce Development, and Capacity Building

• What is being done to engage our community and K-12 students on issues of sustainability?
• What capacity are we lacking in our region to address sustainability challenges?
• Where do we need to connect the dots for students to major in STEM, sustainability, and green technology fields and ensure local jobs are ready and available for them?
• What effective educational outreach strategies can be used to engage the community and inspire sustainable action?

 5.) Sustainable Policy

• What sustainability policies are our islands lacking, and what can be done to improve enforcement of existing policies?
• What policies should be considered to responsibly accommodate incoming military personnel, regional migrants, and natural population growth?
• What policies are needed to safeguard long-term conservation efforts?

Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 1, 2019, at 5:00 pm (ChST). Notification of selections will be made no later than March 8, 2019. If you are selected to present, handouts and PowerPoint presentations must be submitted in an electronic format no later than April 5, 2019. If you have any questions, please contact Meeting Coordinator, Robbie Gerrie Bautista (robbiegerrieb@gmail.com or cis@triton.uog.edu).