The theoretical problems involved in conservation biology and natural resource management are rapidly emerging as a deep area of intellectual inquiry. These problems are inherently non-linear, and can rapidly become complex, as found in the emerging areas of Biocomplexity, Bioeconomics, and Sustainability Science.  Capacity building in these areas will be central to the sustainable management of natural resources and the conservation of ecosystems.  

	The workshop will focus on mathematical models related to problems in natural resource management, climate change and conservation biology in the context of ecological networks.  It will consist of a series of intensive lectures along with hands-on computer demonstrations and group exercises.  Specifically, group sessions will be organized in which participants from different regions of the world will address specific issues in conservation and natural resource management in changing environments.  Each group will give an oral presentations of the outcome of their work at the end of the workshop. 

	Topics covered will include: 
•Population dynamics and optimal management of renewable resources;
•Population viability and risk analysis;
•Biocomplexity and the structure of ecological networks; ecological community structures;
•Fragmentation and persistence;
•Effects of climate change on species distributions, infectious diseases and ecosystems.

	A series of background keynote lectures on specific topics and examples will be given by the four organizers and the guest lecturers. In addition, the participants will be encouraged to present a short talk describing their own work.  If you wish to make a oral or poster presentation please specify upload a one-page abstract to the on-line application form.

	Participation in the computer laboratory demonstrations and exercises, as well as the training sessions on using R in Ecology (statistics and population dynamics) is a requirement.