& 2nd International Meeting on the Conservation of High Mountain Lakes

Dates: 28-30 October 2026
Location: VIELHA – PYRENEES
Organised by: LIFE RESQUE ALPYR Technical Office

Contents

• Key dates
• Registration
• Scientific Programme
• Scientific Committee
• Keynote Speakers
• Field trip
• Venue
• IMPORTANT – Access information (Roadworks)
• Call for abstracts
• Abstract Guidelines
• Contact

High mountain aquatic and semi‑aquatic ecosystems — high mountain lakes, ponds, tributary streams, mires and wet meadows — host unique biota adapted to cold climates, short growing seasons and strong environmental constraints. Despite their ecological value, they are increasingly threatened by invasive species, hydrological alteration, land-use pressures and climate-driven change.

LIFE RESQUE ALPYR (2022–2026) has implemented large‑scale interventions across four Natura 2000 sites in the Pyrenees and the Alps, demonstrating effective techniques for:

• invasive fish eradication in high mountain lakes,
• functional restoration of mountain mires and wet meadows,
• improved grazing management in mires,
• recovery of amphibians, aquatic invertebrates and other taxa,
• development of replicable protocols for high mountain conservation.

This conference is designed as a scientific and technical meeting, emphasising ecological results, methodological advances and cross-site comparison, with a strong academic audience from across Europe. This event is intended to serve as a continuation of the International Meeting on the Conservation of High Mountain Lakes held in Ceresole Reale in 2017.

Key Dates

Registration

Registration for the conference is closed. To attend the event, please complete the online registration form available at the link below. Please note that the registration period will remain open until 30 September 2026.

• Conference Registration

Due to limited capacity, registrations from attendees who are not presenting a contribution will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Confirmation will be sent by email.

Scientific Programme

The final programme of the LIFE Conference is now available. Discover the full programme and schedule here.

Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee is composed by: Dra. Teresa Buchaca (CEAB-CSIC), Dr. Rocco Tiberti (UNICAL), Dr. Aaron Pérez-Haase (UB), Dr. Quim Pou-Rovira (Sorelló) and Dr. Marc Ventura (CEAB-CSIC).

Keynote Speakers

Roland Knapp is a research biologist affiliated with the University of California, particularly through the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory (a UC Natural Reserve site). His work focuses on aquatic ecology, conservation biology, and the impacts of human activities on freshwater ecosystems, especially in mountain regions. He is widely recognized for his research on amphibian declines, the ecological effects of introduced fish species, and the restoration of high-elevation lakes in the Sierra Nevada. He has contributed extensively to conservation science through both research and practical management efforts, helping to guide policies aimed at preserving biodiversity and restoring fragile aquatic habitats.

Helge Bardal is a Norwegian researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, where he works in the field of environmental and biosecurity measures. His research focuses on the management and eradication of invasive species and fish parasites in freshwater ecosystems. He is particularly known for his work on controlling the salmon parasite Gyrodactylus salaris and on the removal of non-native fish species to protect native biodiversity. Bardal has been involved in numerous applied research and management projects across Norway, contributing to large-scale ecological restoration efforts and the protection of aquatic environments.

We regret to inform you that, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the keynote speaker will unfortunately be unable to deliver their presentation at the congress. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding.

Antonio Martínez Cortizas is a Spanish scientist and professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, where he specializes in geochemistry, environmental change, and soil science. His research focuses on reconstructing past environmental and climate conditions using natural archives such as peatlands, lake sediments, and soils. He is particularly known for his work on atmospheric pollution history and the long-term impact of human activities on ecosystems. Martínez Cortizas has led and collaborated on numerous national and international research projects and has published extensively in his field, contributing to a better understanding of climate change and environmental dynamics in Europe.

Borja Jiménez-Alfaro is the coordinator of the Vegetation and Biodiversity Lab, a research group that focuses on plant communities and related ecosystems from three perspectives: the ecological and historical biogeography of vegetation; plant seed regeneration in structured environments; and the mapping and monitoring of ecosystems with remote sensing. Research tools include fieldwork in mountainous areas, analysis of vegetation databases, and laboratory experiments. Since 2020, he has been the scientific director of the Atlantic Botanical Garden of Gijón, integrating the plant biodiversity research program with his research at the Biodiversity Research Institute, IMIB (CSIC-University of Oviedo-Principality of Asturias).

Lucia Bello is a PhD fellow working on the LIFE RESQUE ALPYR project from its start, investigating cascading and cross-ecosystem effects of fish introduction and eradication, with a focus on the conservation of semi-aquatic and terrestrial insectivores.

Rocco Tiberti is professor of Ecology at the University of Calabria, with over twenty years of research experience on high mountain lakes. He has long collaborated with the Gran Paradiso National Park and the Mont Avic Natural Park, studying global and local threats affecting mountain lake biota.

Their contributions constitute a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the current trends and key challenges shaping the field, while fostering meaningful dialogue, encouraging interdisciplinary exchange, and supporting the advancement of knowledge across the scientific community. Through their extensive expertise and diverse perspectives, they play a key role in enriching the overall quality of the congress and strengthening its impact at both academic and professional levels.

Field Trip

Location

The field excursion will include a visit to Lake Muntanyó d’Àrreu, where conservation actions are currently being performed as part of the LIFE RESQUE ALPYR project, and to the Clots de Rialba mires.

Practical details

Please note that the excursion will be of moderate difficulty (about 8.5 km, 585 elevation gain).

Participants should be equipped for a mountain hike, including suitable footwear and warm, waterproof clothing.

A packed lunch consisting of two sandwiches, a snack, and a bottle of water will be provided.

Transportation

Transportation for the excursion will be provided by coach, with departure from and return to the bus stop at the P3 car park in Vielha, according to the following schedule:

• Departure: 7:30 h
• Return: 15:30 h

If you prefer to travel in your own vehicle, we will meet you at 8:30h. at the Meeting point Muntanyó d’Àrreu. In this case, please take into account the roadworks affecting the access road to the excursion site (see Acces information – roaddworks section below) and allow sufficient travel time to ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time.

Venue

The conference will take place in Vielha, in the Pyrenees, and the sessions will be held at Era Audiovisuau (Avinguda Baile Calbetó Barra, 8 – Vielha). The conference will span three days, including two days of talks and poster sessions, followed by one day dedicated to a field trip.

Participants seeking information on accommodation and rates are welcome to contact our travel agency partner (reservas@nautviajes.com / +34 973 64 00 87), who may be able to provide booking assistance and access to preferential rates. Those who prefer may also arrange their accommodation independently.

The area around the conference venue offers parking spaces on the same street and in the surrounding area. In addition, several free public parking areas are available nearby.

• Parking area P2 (5 min)
• Parking area (5 min)
• Parking area P3 (10 min)

IMPORTANT – Access information (Roadworks)

If you are travelling to Vielha by car, please be aware of the following traffic disruptions affecting the main access roads to the Val d’Aran:

ROAD CLOSURES ON THE PORT DE LA BONAIGUA. Roadworks are currently taking place on the Port de la Bonaigua (C-28, km 43), one of the main access routes to the Val d’Aran. As a result, the road through this area will be closed during the following periods:

Full closure (Monday to Saturday).

08:30-14:30

15:30-17:00

17:00-19:00

During these hours, please consider using the alternative route via the N-230.

Outside these periods, and throughout Sundays, the road remains open with alternating traffic regulated by traffic lights.

CLOSURE OF THE VIELLA TUNEL 26–28 October (N-230). Please note that the Vielha Tunnel (N-230) will be closed nightly from 26 to 28 October, between 22:00 and 03:00, due to an emergency simulation exercise.

Call for abstracts

Extended Abstract submission deadline: 25 August 2026.

Abstracts for both oral and poster presentations are welcome. Contributions must be submitted through the online submission form. Please note that a separate submission form must be completed for each contribution you wish to present.

Authors are requested to prepare their abstract using the provided template and attach the completed file to the submission form.

• Submission form
• Abstract template

Abstracts must be submitted in English and should include:

• Title of the contribution
• Names of all authors
• Authors’ affiliations
• A text between 250 and 300 words
• Provide 3 to 5 keywords, separated by commas.

Abstract Guidelines

Oral Presentation Guidelines

• Duration: 15 minutes total (12 minutes for the presentation and 3 minutes for discussion).
• Presentations should be prepared in English.
• Recommended formats: PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF.
• Presenters are requested to upload their presentation in the speaker-ready room (or at the conference desk) at least one session in advance.

Poster Guidelines

• Poster size: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm).
• Posters should be written in English.
• At least one author should be present during the poster session.
• Posters may be mounted between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. on the first day of the conference (October 28) and must be removed before 6:00 p.m. on October 29.
• Materials for mounting posters will be provided by the organizers.

Contact

For any questions regarding abstract submission, registration, or conference logistics, please contact:

LIFE RESQUE ALPYR Conference Organising Committee: liferesquealpyr@ceab.csic.es

Further updates and practical information will be available on the conference website.

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