Welcome to the Pan-African Ornithological Congress (PAOC15)
21-25 November 2022
Elephant Hills Conference Centre
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe
This website has been generously sponsored by The A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI)
News from the Local Organising Committee:
We have had an unprecedented response to the Congress and are currently expecting more than 275 delegates from 55 nations of the world. Of these, 33 African countries are represented, 16 from Europe and delegates from the USA, Australia, Canada, Columbia, Malaysia and India. Everyone is looking forward to the in person discussions.
We were well subscribed as regards oral talk presentations and have worked hard to include 6 Plenary talks, 221 Oral presentations, 13 Round Table Discussions and a number of posters. Topics are wide ranging and diverse.
We have arranged some exciting bird excursions on the excursion day for the delegates that include birding trips on the beautiful Zambezi River, game drives along the River and in the Chamabonda Vlei, a walk along the Masue River up to the gorge, and of course, a trip to see the magnificent Victoria Falls.
The Reception Cocktail event will be held on the banks of the River at sunset at the start of the congress, there will be a casual cocktail function on the pool deck at Elephant Hills later in the week, and the Boma Dinner and Drum show is included in the programme for PAOC15.
We are looking forward to a jam-packed week of learning and networking showcasing the beautiful birds of Africa and how critically important it is for all of us, that we ensure their survival!
ABOUT PAOC
The Pan-African Ornithological Congress (PAOC) is held once every four years and it brings together hundreds of professional and dedicated amateur ornithologists. The Fifteenth PAOC (PAOC15) will be held in 2022.
THE AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE CONGRESS ARE:
- To further the study of African birds
- To promote the preservation of African birds as an integral part of the African Heritage
- To foster the appreciation of birds and discussion of African birds in relation to man
- To disseminate information on African birds through appropriate international meetings (e.g. the Congresses) and publications (e.g. the proceedings of the Congresses).
COVID-19
- The PAOC15 Congress organisers will do everything they can to make the event safe. We will comply with any local and international restrictions in place at the time and we reserve the right to introduce checks for proof of vaccination or negative test at any point before the Congress.
- Delegates are strongly encouraged to be fully vaccinated before arrival in Zimbabwe.
- Delegates are advised to check the Covid-19 requirements in their home country before travel.
- At the present time, to enter Zimbabwe you need a Covid vaccination card with a QR code, or a negative PCR Covid test within 48 hours prior to departure. The Local Organising Committee can assist with Covid tests in Victoria Falls if necessary.
Further general information, including terms regarding cancellation not caused by the pandemic, can be found in the Registration Terms and Conditions.
Comprising of West Africa and associated islands east to Libya, Chad and Nigeria;
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PAOC COMMITTEE
Dear Ornithologists, Colleagues and Friends,
On behalf of the Congress Committee, we warmly welcome you to the 15th Pan-African Ornithological Congress (PAOC), which will be hosted by BirdLife Zimbabwe in 2022 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We look forward to welcoming you.
Over the last five decades and since the first congress that was held in Livingstone (Zambia) in 1957, the PAOC has made tremendous contributions to research and capacities, especially for early African career scientists and students, resulting in impacts in many bird conservation stories and achievements.
The host and sponsors of the 15th Pan-African Ornithological Congress are committed to enabling as many African and non-African biologists and ornithologists to attend the congress and present their research and conservation results.
The PAOC meets every 4 years and aims to further the study of African birds, to promote the preservation of African birds and their habitats as an integral part of African heritage and ecosystems, to foster the appreciation of birds and discussion of African birds in relation to humans, and to disseminate information on African birds through appropriate international meetings (Congresses) and publications (Proceedings of the Congresses).
An exciting programme is being developed for this congress that will allow attendees to reflect upon and celebrate our past accomplishments, renew friendships and extend our networks and jointly explore current and future research directions. We hope that you will have a productive and fun‐filled time at this very special congress
To put a congress of this magnitude together is not a small task. To that end, special thanks to:
- the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry of Zimbabwe for their support
- the PAOC Local Organizing Committee,
- the PAOC Secretariat and
- the PAOC Scientific Committee.
Further information about the congress is available at https://www.paoc15.org/
Prof./Dr. Sidi Imad CHERKAOUI
Associate Professor
Ecole Supérieure de Technologie de Kénifra
(University of Ibn Tofail)
Morocco
Chair PAOC Committee
