Abstract Guidelines

A MESSAGE FROM ALCA

Since our last national conference, Australians have heard a lot about the increasingly precarious state of nature. There is now no doubt that mass species extinctions and climate change are inextricably linked and already causing devastation to our own great and precious land.

Within our own spheres of influence we wonder what we can do; we can see the profound need to work at greater pace, greater scale, to achieve more faster. Are we rising to the challenge?

The Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) brings together many of Australia’s key nature conservation organisations. Collectively, we manage more than 280 million hectares of private land and have over 50,000 supporters. Our staff number over 500.

As a collective, we represent a considerable force in the national fight against species extinction, in work aimed at restoring health to landscapes and natural systems critical for the survival and success of future generations.

Each year, ALCA continues to grow and our national conference is our major annual event. In 2019, the fifth national Private Land Conservation Conference 2019 (PLC19) will be in Adelaide.

This year we pose urgent and compelling questions to the private land conservation sector, to the industry and businesses, governments, researchers and educators, communities and supporters - how do we work smarter, faster, at larger scale, together? How do we to make the profound and positive changes that will propel us further down the path toward large scale, meaningful outcomes?

Please share your knowledge, perspectives, research or experience by submitting an abstract to PLC19. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a forum playing a key role in the success of nature conservation of privately owned and managed land. We very much look forward to seeing you in Adelaide this October.


PLC19: RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

In 2019, our conference theme is “Rising to the Challenge”. We are asking presenters and delegates to provide perspectives on how Australians engaged in the conservation of privately owned and managed land can work together to demonstrate and drive opportunities for private land conservation to address the big challenges of climate change response and accelerating extinction rates, and delivery of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Abstracts are invited in each of the key areas of interest set out here.


ABSTRACT THEMES

1. Practice & Communities
   Nearly 65% of Australia is privately owned or managed and every Australian has a role in fighting extinctions and building healthy landscapes. How are we engaging communities? Can we do it better?
    
2. Tools & Innovation
   Innovation drives change and improvement. What new tools and technologies are relevant to the conservation sector? PLC19 is an opportunity to look at tools and innovations that could make a difference.
    
3. Finance & Funding
   Money is critical to conservation actions. Can we be smarter about building resources for conservation? How do we leverage public, private and philanthropic money? What do they need to see to invest in PLC?
    
4. Research & Education
   Research and education pushes the boundaries and shapes the conversation. PLC19 is an opportunity for new and experienced researchers to present their work and explore the current state and future directions in a dynamic cross sectoral environment.
    
5. Central Connections
   Vast, sparsely inhabited landscapes present unique conservation challenges as well as immense opportunities for innovation, indigenous led projects and guidance from traditional knowledge. A rare opportunity to explore and demonstrate efforts in Australia’s great outback.
    
6. Communication & Learning
   Mastering the art of communication is crucial to building understanding and support. Demonstrating impact, telling stories, explaining research or lessons learned - it is all about communication. PLC19 is a chance to share your tips and tricks for becoming a master!
    
7. Policy & Governance
   What are the new and emerging policy issues facing PLC in Australia? What are effective strategies to advancing policy priorities at all levels of government. Thinking about effective governance of organisation and programs as well as decision making and risk management strategies.
    

 ABSTRACT GUIDELINES

1. Abstracts can only be accepted if submitted online via the abstract portal.

2. Abstract deadline is Sunday, 30 June 2019. Please submit as early as possible prior to the deadline (in case you experience technical problems).

3. Please identify and select the area of interest most relevant to your abstract and only submit your abstract once.

4. A selected number of abstracts will be accepted for presentation based on merit and relevance.

5. Abstracts must be no longer than 300 words:
      + Abstract title
      + Keywords
      + Background
      + Summary

7. Abstracts are sought from a diverse range of people and perspectives, sections of society and business, areas of practice, research and policy.

8. We are also seeking contributions from a wide range of disciplines, skills, knowledge bases and experience.

9. Abstracts will be reviewed by the PLC19 Planning Committee. Preference will be given to those that offer stimulating perspectives that promote discussion and debate, encourage
    achievement, suggest solutions and are of high quality. They will add value to one or more of the conference themes and areas of practice.

10. Presenters must register for the Conference at their own expense and meet their own travel and accommodation costs unless otherwise advised in writing.

11. A high-resolution photo of the first author must be submitted with the abstract (max file size is 1MB).

12. You will be notified as to whether you will be invited to present either an oral presentation or poster presentation by 19 July 2019.

13. The first author will be considered the contact author for the abstract, please no more than 3 abstracts per first author.

14. After submission, emails concerning the abstract will be sent to the first author of the abstract.

15. At least one author of each successful abstract must register for the event.

16. Please do not include references or diagrams. Please avoid abbreviations and citations in the abstract. Please avoid complex mathematical formulae and Greek letters.

17. All funding sources should be acknowledged at the end of the abstract and included in the word count. Should this information be extensive you will be able to send it separately
      after the submission deadline if necessary.

18. Unsuccessful abstracts for oral presentation will automatically be considered for poster presentation. You will be notified of the outcome accordingly.

19. Abstracts may be published on the ALCA website. Please indicate if you do not want your abstract to published at the time of submission.