International Conference on
‘Climate Change and the Developing World’
Organised by
CSI (Church of South India) Synod Department of Ecology
CMS College, Kottayam
Nilackal Ecological Commission
Sponsored by
University Grants Commission, UGC,
Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi
All Kerala Council for Science, Technology, Environment
Venue:
Kottayam in Kerala, India
Dates
21st to 25th January 2015
Objective: The cumulative effect of self-centered human activities in the wake of neo-lib
eral globalization, has led to an uncontrolled increase in Green House Gas (GHG) emis
sions leading to global warming and Climate change. The increase in carbon dioxide an
d other GHG’s function as the trigger to a chain of events ranging from melting of the po
lar ice caps to an increased glacier retreat, ocean heat, relative sea levels and acidity o
n the one hand and an increase in the number and intensity of heat waves, cyclones, an
d storms on the other. It is also visualized to impact our food supply, water resources, e
cosystems, biodiversity, agriculture and health in the near future. Addressing Climate C
hange issues is the best option for the developing world. The fear factor needs to be ov
ercome by adopting smarter and greener low carbon growth strategies. The conference
visualizes a low-carbon society, a resource-circulating society, and a society in harmony
with nature as its end result. It also offers the participants a field visit and stay at Nilakk
al situated in the heart of the biodiversity rich Gavi, in addition to a platform for discussio
ns and deliberations on Climate change issues.
Themes to be discussed:
Global warming and Climate Change
Energy, Water, Biodiversity and Land
Agricultural practices
Pollution
Food security
Alternate Models for a social change
Theological and Scientific Vision
Expected outcomes:
To help eco-groups to understand the implications of climate change and the eco
logical crisis it brings along with it.
To challenge and critique the nexus between the present profit-oriented paradig
m of development, climate-justice and survival of nature.
To understand the theological and faith implications of the present ecological crisi
s.
To explore a mission mandate and praxis for the eco-groups in Kerala with speci
al reference to
Carbon foot printing, Carbon mitigation and Carbon auditing.
Reduction, Reuse and Recycling of available resources
Adoption of a sustainable lifestyle
To extend partnerships to networks and movements of the society that are engag
ed in eco-conservation programmes
Target group
Academicians , Research scholars from Indian Universities, NGO’s representativ
es, Environmental leaders and students.
Expected Number of participants Foreign delegates- 25 , Research scholars-25 Te
achers (from India) -25, Leaders from eco-groups -15, Students- 60, Total - 150
Details of technical programme of the event
Main Theme: Climate Change and the Developing World
Theme 1 : People’s Forum on Ecological Issues
Sub themes
Sand and Granite quarrying
Land degradation
River linking and river pollution
Genetically Modified crops and its impacts
Waste disposal
Theme 2 :Global warming and Biodiversity
Sub themes
Climate change and Biodiversity
Natural Resource Management
Climate change and Water crisis
Environmental Impact Assessment
Carbon Accounting and Sequestration
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) and Health Hazards
Theme 3: Impact of climate change on Environment
Sub themes
Ocean currents and El nino
Riverine Ecosystem
Mountain Ecosystem
Coastal Ecosystem
Marine Ecosystem
Forest and Grassland Ecosystem
Impact on Biotic community
Theme 4: Chemical aspects of climate change
Sub themes
Green Chemistry
Food chemistry and Security
Environmental Pollution and Management
Chemical and Toxic waste Management
Chemical education and Sustainable development
Chemistry- Climate Interactions and Climate change adaptation and mitigation
Instrumental Methods of Chemical analysis
Analytical and Environmental chemistry
Inter-disciplinary approaches to the concept of research in Chemistry, Environment and
Climate change
Theme 5: Developmental and Environmental nexus: An Economic Interference
Sub themes
Environmental Degradation and Productivity concerns/ Problems/ Issues
Green Economy
Technical Sessions at Nilakkal
International Response to Climate Change
Alternate Models for the Developing world
Eco spirituality and Climate Change
Call for papers
Participants are requested to send the abstracts of ther papers not exceeding 200 word
s latest by October 30th 2014. Microsft word format is to be followed while preparing the
abstract. Title (12point bold capitals), authors names (10pt bold, underline the nameof t
he presenting author) affiliations and texts (12pt normal, single space) with Times New
Roman font. abstracts should be emailed to Dr. Mini Chacko (email: drminichacko@gm
ail.com ). The Church groups and NGO’s are requested to Contact Dr.Mathew Koshy P
unnackadu (email: drmathewkoshy51@gmail.com) for registration details and submissio
n of papers.
Submission of Manuscripts
Participants selected for presentation will be informed by mail. The selected candidates
are requested to submit their full manuscript (soft copy) on or before 30th Novemeber 2
014.
Format for manuscripts
Text should not exceed 10pagesincluding figures, tables and photographs in Times Ne
w Roman font. 12pt. bold capital for title and 10pt bold for authors name.12pt bold capit
als for head lines and 10pt bold for sub titles. all texts should be in 10 pt. normal single s
pace line. The paper should begin with a synopsis/abstract of not more than 200 words.
Only papers conforming to the above will be considered for presentation.
Dates to Remember
30th October 2014 Submission of abstracts
30th November 2014 Intimation on acceptance of Abstracts
20th December 2014 Last date for Registration
30th December 2014 Submission of full papers
Registration fee Rs.500
Boarding and lodging Rs.1500
For Indian participants, the travelling expenses (Sleeper charges) will be reimburs
ed at the end of the conference on production of train tickets
Foreign participants are expected to bear their own travelling expenses. But their
registration, boarding and lodging expenses from 21st to 25th January 2015 will
be borne by the organizers.
Registration fee, boarding an lodging expenses, and the abstract all to
Dr.Mini Chacko, Organising Secretary, CCDW 2015 Dept of Botany, CMS College, K
ottayam 686001
Email: drminichacko@gmail.com
mobile 09447058581
About the Organisers
Church of South India(CSI): The Church of South India is the result of the union of chur
ches of varying traditions Anglican, Methodist, Congregational, Presbyterian, and Refor
med. It was inaugurated in September 1947, after protracted negotiation among the chu
rches concerned.Being the largest Protestant church in India, the CSI celebrates her life
with Indian culture and spirituality and she also raises her voice for the voiceless on ma
tters of justice, peace and integrity of creation. CSI has been actively involving in ecolo
gical conservation programmes since 1992.
Nilackal Ecological Commission: Nilackal St Thomas Church& Ecumenical Centre Trus
t showed the world how to foster unity among different churches, giving due respect to t
he interests and sentiments of other religious faiths. According to authentic tradition, St.
Thomas established seven churches during his missionary work in India, the Nilackal C
hurch was one among them. The Nilackal Ecumenical Centre is a joint ecumenical proje
ct of Catholic,Kananaya, Jacobite, Orthodox, Marthoma and CSI Churches. The Church
and the Centre is situated near the famous Sabarimala Shri Ayappa Shrine, in Kerala.
The Centre has 40 furnished bath attached double rooms, conference halls, dining hall
and kitchen. As the centre is in the middle of a lush green forest, it is an ideal place for e
cological programmes and ecological conferences.
CMS College: The CMS College, Kottayam, founded by the Church Missionary Society
of England, is the oldest of the institutions for higher education in South India. The CM
S College, was started in 1817 by the CMS Missionaries in faith in God’s purpose and p
rovidence, to be a centre of light and life in this land and a blessing to many. Rev. Benja
min Bailey, the father of printing in Travancore, was the first Principal of the College. He
was a missionary with a vision- prudent and farsighted, a scholar and an architect . CM
S College has been conferred with the status of ‘College with Potential for Excellence’ b
y UGC and will be facing the NAAC this year for its third round of Reaccreditation. The c
ollege has 9 research departments and offers 14 UG and 14 PG programmes.
About Kerala
Kerala is one of the smallest states in the Indian union. Its area is 38,855 square kilomet
ers which is just 1.3 percent of the total area of India. The land of Kerala comprises the
narrow coastal strip bordered by the Western Ghats on the west beyond which is the Ar
abian Sea. Like Kashmir in the north, Kerala in the south is famous for its breath-taking
natural beauty. With its evergreen mountains, dense forests, stately palms, swift flowing
rivers, extensive backwaters and blue lagoons, it looks like a fairyland. Kerala is gifted
with lovely beaches, hill stations, stunning backwaters, refreshing greenery, wildlife, bird
sanctuaries and a rich culture. The Backwaters of Kerala is the most popular tourist attr
action in India. Kerala is biodiversity rich and famous for itsElephants and colourful butte
rflies. The beaches of Kerala are renowned world over. God’s own country has become
a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travellers.
Organising Committee
Patrons
1)
Rt.Rev.Dr. Zacahrias Mar Theophilus Saffragon Metropolitan (Marthoma Church)
2)
Mar Mathew Arackal (Bishop of Kanjirapally Diocese of Catholic Church)
3)
4)
Rt.Rev.Thomas K Oommen (Secretary of Nilackal Trust and Manager of CMS College)
Rt.Rev. B.N Fenn (Chairman of CSI SECC)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Mr. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan (Minister of Forests, Kerala)
Mr. Jose K. Mani, MP.
Prof. Dr. V.N Rajasekharan Pillai (Executive Vice Chairman, KSCSTE)
Dr. Mathews George (Director, International affairs, World Council of Churches)
Mr. Roy Paul (Former secretary of Ministry of forests, Govt. of India)
Chairman
Dr.Roy Sam Daniel, Principal, CMS College, Kottayam mobile: 09447895832
General Convener
Dr.Mathew Koshy Punnackadu (Environmentalist. Convener of CSI Dept. of Ecology an
d Former Principal, Bishop Moore College, Mavelikara.
Email : drmathewkoshy51@gmail.com mobile 09847275754
Organising Secretary
Dr.Mini Chacko, Associate Professor, Dept of Botany, CMS College, Kottayam
Email: drminichacko@gmail.com
mobile 09447058581
Conveners
1)Dr.Rachel Mathew
mobile 09495997194
2) Mr. Vijo Thomas Kurian mobile 09447935511
3) Dr. Elizabeth Cherian
mobile 09447174953
4) Mr. Shahvas Sherif
mobile 09995901976
5) Mr. Sumod M. John
mobile 09447660511