Dear colleagues, I would like to invite you to our online symposium "Gaurishankar Conservation Area Revisited: Status of Current Research activities" as follows: DATE: Friday, May 7, 09:15 AM CEST, 01:00 PM (NPT) PROGRAM: see attached PDF, alternatively: https://www.oeaw.ac.at/kioes/aktivitaeten/detail/forschung-fuer-die-gaurish… ACCESS LINK: https://oeaw-ac-at.zoom.us/j/93417077969 NO registration required, symposium language: Englisch Background: Research activities in Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) were initiated in 2015, with a kick-off meeting in Kathmandu on 22nd of April titled "Research Methodology for Integrated Forest Management in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Central Nepal Himalayas". The subsequent ill-fated fieldwork campaign did not result in expected outcomes as it was suddenly interrupted by a massive (7.8Mw) earthquake, known as the Gorkha earthquake, which took place on 25th of April, 2015. The project team soon realized that pursuing the initial aims was impossible and hence a follow-up project was initiated in 2016, within the carbon offset project framework of BOKU University. The aim of the ongoing long-term carbon offset project is to provide scientific evidence for decisions that help to improve livelihoods, to increase resilience and to help overcoming negative consequences of the 2015 earthquake event, all embedded in an accountable carbon sequestration framework. For instance, a nursery was set up to enhance afforestation with the aims of increasing carbon, reduce erosion and for local production of construction and firewood. The symposium presents the status of scientific research in GCA, both within and beyond the BOKU carbon offset project. It provides a platform to share current research of various disciplines, strengthens existing collaborations and establishing new links. The summary and discussion session aims at providing input fur future activities at GCA. Colleagues and friends from IUFRO are very welcome to attend and share their ideas, suggestions and perhaps identify potential collaboration. Looking forward to welcome you at this virtual event! With best wishes, Viktor Bruckman Dr. Viktor Bruckman Austrian Academy of Sciences Dr. Ignaz Seipel-Platz 2 1010 Vienna, Austria Voice: +43-1-51581-3200 Mobile: +43 664 6127259 Email: viktor.bruckman@oeaw.ac.at<mailto:viktor.bruckman@oeaw.ac.at> Web: http://www.oeaw.ac.at/kioes/