A Global Fair and Workshop on Long-Term Observing Systems of Mountain Social-Ecological Systems

July 16-19 2014, University of Nevada, Reno, USA

 BACKGROUND

A multi-day Fair and Workshop for all who gather data on mountain social, biological or abiotic systems to describe their work; explore the questions and phenomena driving observations; explain sensors and protocols (e.g., flagship stations, crowd-sourcing, upscaling, etc.) ; discuss data management, user access and visualization; compare strategies for communicating data from remote locales; visit exemplary transects and observatories; create new collaborations; formalize cooperative arrangements.

The goal of the Fair and Workshop is to move toward a more comprehensive, global mountain observation network by strengthening the ties between existing observation systems.

Effective, evidence-based management of social-ecological systems requires strong, interlinked datasets that include information about all facets of the human-environment nexus. Long-term observational networks are crucial to assessing patterns in complex systems, but the development of such networks is typically constrained by funding cycles.

In order to provide quality, long-term, evidence-based datasets, the mountain research community must synthesize a macroscopic observing system using existing regional networks and individual sites as building blocks.

And the best way to do that is to come together to exchange ideas, see what other networks offer, develop common programs, assess priority locations, and develop creative financing options. 

The Fair will feature 
a) Expositions in which participants explain their observing network or products in a poster session format and 
b) Side Meetings for more in-depth discussions.

The Workshop will feature
a) Sessions where speakers present state-of-the-art thinking regarding mountain observations and
b) Ateliers where participants work together to develop common solutions.

One day will be devoted to site visits around the Reno/Tahoe area, with longer field trips available after the conference to visit sites and facilities in the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin and Cascade ranges.

Read more at http://mri.scnatweb.ch/en/homepage