The 7th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology in Portugal has been a great success. A big thanks to the organizers for doing such a great job!

Photo of the delegates of the 7th ICSE in Portugal.

An initiative raised by Susan Harrison (US) was the establishment of an 'international network to examine the sensitivity of serpentine (and other “special soil” ecosystems) to climatic variability', with the goals to determine whether endemic-rich communities on unusual, low-fertility soils are more sensitive (as suggested by their small and fragmented ranges) or less sensitive (as suggested by nutrient limitation and‘stress-tolerant’ functional traits) to climatic variability, as compared with climatic-climax communities on normal soils. Objectives might be to establish an international collaboration spanning multiple biomes (Mediterranean, north-temperate, desert, humid tropics…), in each of which at least one special-soil community can be contrasted with a nearby climatic-climax community. In each location, examine climate sensitivity of these paired communities using multiple possible approaches (monitoring over time, monitoring over spatial gradients of climate, experiments).

We will create a webpage about this important initiative which will be available here.
 

About ISES

The International Serpentine Ecology Society (ISES) is intended to build on the successes of previous international serpentine ecology symposia and existing networks and provide a formal organization focussed on serpentine and metal-enriched ecosystems. These ecosystems are derived from metal-enriched substrata and soils and contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Serpentine sites are globally rare but occur in isolated pockets throughout the world and are biodiversity hotspots because of the exceedingly high proportion of endemic species associated with their extreme properties.  These sites are also extremely important to conserve because they provide model systems for the study of fundamental scientific concepts and principles.  We are inviting you to join our efforts and become a member to share the curiosity and passion for the scientific study of serpentine and metal-enriched ecosystems.

Since 1991, more than one hundred scientists from 24 nations have participated in six International Conferences on Serpentine Ecology and a seventh conference will be held in Portugal in 2011. These international conferences and post-conference tours were originally conceived by pioneers of serpentine ecology and have become an international forum to actively discuss, debate, and synthesize international multidisciplinary research.  They have offered opportunities for scientists in different fields and from different regions of the world to conduct joint research on geology, soils, plants, microorganisms, insects and their interactions. Presentations, symposium proceedings and associated special journal issues have played a major role in advancing the science and understanding of the significance of serpentine ecosystems. In the meanwhile ISES has been joined by nearly 200 members in over 35 countries around the globe (for a graphic overview, have a look at the 'Worldwide Member Map' in the User Menu after logging-in!).

An overview of the initial framework and content for ISES can be found at www.serpentine-ecology.org. This website is a powerful tool for ISES.  The heart of the society is the commitment to supporting the continuing success of the International Serpentine Ecology Symposia.
Another important important initiative is the Global Metallophites Database, which aims at cataloging and documenting metallophytes around the world. It can be found here: www.metallophytes.com or just click on it in the top menu.

The  mission of the International Society of Serpentine Ecology is; to advance the knowledge, understanding, conservation, management practices, and public awareness of serpentine and other metal-enriched ecosystems.

Our aims are to:

• Highlight and advocate research, education, conservation, and public awareness of serpentine and metal-enriched ecosystems;
• Identify and address critical global biodiversity and conservation needs related to serpentine and metal-enriched ecosystems around the world;
• Develop a network to facilitate and support research collaborations between scientists from different regions and disciplines;
• Serve as an open resource for sharing information and coordinating data access on serpentine and metal-rich ecosystems;
• Promote and connect multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary science among international communities.

We cannot accomplish these goals alone and need your support to work together on making ISES a succes. Please join us at ISES and take the time to browse over the website and to register to become a member.  Upon registration you will be able to login and use the intranet. Any suggestions, help or material to be used on this website is most appreciated. You can send your comments regarding ISES or the website to the coordinator, Antony van der Ent, at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Organisation Committee

Alan Baker, Robert Boyd, Marla McIntosh, Ryan O'Dell, Nishi Rajakaruna, Roger Reeves and Antony van der Ent

Our members are from the following countries, and each country has one or more dedicated regional coordinator(s):

Australia, New Caledonia, United States, South Africa, Italy, Germany, Puerto Rico, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, DR Congo, Nigeria, Malaysia, China, Korea, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Russia, France, Morocco, Australia, Portugal, Iran, The Netherlands, Czech Republic, India, Canada, Taiwan, Austria, Papua New Guinea, Phillipines, Brazil, Albania, Egypt, Indonesia, Belgium, Japan, Cuba, Spain United Kingdom

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