Conference topics and programme

Conference Topics and Programme

The LESLIE Sustainable Land Management (SLM) International Conference 2026 will focus on key thematic areas aligned with the strategic objectives of the LESLIE Project and the broader challenges of environmental sustainability in Central Asia and beyond.

The scientific and technical programme will be structured around the following core topics:

1. Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Strategies

Integrated approaches to land use planning and management
Prevention and mitigation of land degradation and desertification
Ecosystem-based management and nature-based solutions

2. Soil and Water Resources Management

Soil conservation techniques and erosion control
Hydrogeological processes and groundwater protection
Efficient irrigation systems and water-use optimization
Nexus between surface water and groundwater systems

3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Impacts of climate variability on land and water resources
Adaptive management strategies in arid and semi-arid regions
Drought risk assessment and mitigation measures

4. Environmental Monitoring and Modelling

Advanced tools for environmental data acquisition (remote sensing, GIS, UAVs)
Numerical modelling of hydrological and hydrogeological systems
Geo-statistical and spatio-temporal analysis techniques

5. Pollution, Land Degradation and Remediation

Soil and groundwater contamination processes
Remediation technologies and risk assessment
Management of agricultural and industrial pollutants

6. Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency

Sustainable use of natural resources
Waste valorisation and bio-based solutions
Integration of circular economy principles into land management

7. Capacity Building, Education and Policy

Development of innovative curricula in SLM
Micro-credentials and lifelong learning strategies
Policy frameworks and governance for sustainable land use
Stakeholder engagement and knowledge transfer

Programme Structure

The conference programme will combine different formats to promote both scientific exchange and practical interaction:

Keynote Lectures delivered by internationally recognized experts in SLM and environmental engineering
Technical Sessions (oral presentations) organized by thematic areas
Poster Sessions showcasing ongoing research and case studies
Round Tables and Panel Discussions involving academia, policymakers, and practitioners

The programme is designed to ensure a balance between theoretical advances, applied research, and policy-oriented discussions, with particular attention to the specific environmental conditions and challenges of Central Asia.

A detailed version of the Conference Programme will be available soon.