International Congress on Palaeontological Heritage IX

[ICPH-9]

Septembre [24] to [28], 2025

at [Reception and Conference Centre, Settat]

Organisers

Partners

International Congress on Palaeontological Heritage IX

Geoheritage, particularly palaeontological heritage, refers to the geological features, landscapes, and phenomena that hold significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value. These features are often preserved and protected due to their importance in understanding Earth's history, processes, and evolution. The protection and enhancement (valorisation) of the natural heritage or geoheritage, particularly palaeontological heritage, is among the main concerns of many countries and institutions around the world, including the United Nations through the UNESCO programs. Morocco has included these goals in a national strategy by adopting, in 2010, the "National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development". Certainly, this is a very encouraging step towards the preservation and enhancement of Moroccan geosites, in particular fossiliferous sites, some of which are known worldwide for the diversity and outstanding quality of fossils.

Organizing a congress on palaeontological heritage serves several important purposes: (i) Knowledge Sharing: providing, then, a platform for scientists, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts to share their latest findings, discoveries, and insights in the field of palaeontology. This fosters collaboration and facilitates the exchange of ideas and expertise.

(ii) Conservation and Management: The congress can address conservation issues related to palaeontological sites, including strategies for preserving fossil-bearing formations, mitigating threats such as erosion or habitat destruction (vandalism), and developing sustainable management practices. (iii) Education and Outreach: this congress offers opportunities to educate the public about the significance of palaeontological heritage, the methods and importance of fossil preservation, and the relevance of palaeontological research to understanding Earth's history, biodiversity and life evolution through time. (iv) Policy Development: Discussions at the meeting can inform the development of policies and regulations aimed at protecting palaeontological sites, promoting scientific research, and enhancing public access to fossil resources.

(v) Cultural and Economic Benefits: Palaeontological heritage often holds cultural significance for communities and can also contribute to tourism and local economies. By convening stakeholders, this event can explore ways to leverage palaeontological resources for cultural and economic benefit while ensuring their long-term conservation.

Overall, organising a meeting on Palaeontological heritage provides a forum for advancing scientific knowledge, promoting conservation efforts, fostering public engagement, and enhancing the cultural and economic value of palaeontological resources.

Following the previous Meeting (RIV3P8) held in El Jadida in 2023, it was decided that the 9th edition would take place at Higher School of Education and Training in Berrechid, in 2025. The attendees, together with organising committee, voted during the round table of the cloture ceremony to adopt a new nomenclature to this palaeontological event. The most of the attendees vote for the International Congress on Palaeontological Heritage.

The RIV3P9 is becoming now the ICPH-9, which should be an event dedicated to the palaeontological and palaeoarchaeological heritage to communicate and exchange of novelties in the topics linked with the preservation and enhancement of palaeontological and archaeological heritage.

It will be a meeting place between national and international researchers, socio-economic operators and activists, as well as activists in the legislation of the palaeontological heritage. It is also an opportunity for MSc. And PhD. students and early-career researchers to forge links with the various stakeholders. It would also be a meeting place for the different generations of Moroccan palaeontologists to discuss the purpose of the creation of an association of the Moroccan palaeontologists.

The Higher School of Education and Training of Berrechid and Hassan First University will organise this scientific and cultural event, during September 24 to 28, 2025, within the Reception and Conference Centre, Settat.

A two-day meeting of talks, activities and workshops

The goal of this congress is to bring leaders, early career researchers and students in Palaeontological Heritage together from across the globe.

Venue

[Reception and Conference Centre], [Settat, Morocco]

Morocco

Each country has its own history: historical facts, events and important milestones that gave the country its true historical value. The history of a country is one of the events considered worthy of remembrance, which perfectly applies to Morocco. With several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years: the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with several types of heritage recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, the most fascinated by nature, history, the art of living and Moroccan hospitality. The experience gained during their journeys in Morocco leave them pleasantly satisfied with their stay. The region constituting Morocco has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era over 300,000 years ago.

At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, surrounded by Mediterranean waters and opening onto the vastness of the Atlantic ocean, Morocco is a wonderland for nature lovers.

It is the "land of the distant sunset", a destination rich in contrasts, with a two thousand year-old history, that will stimulate your curiosity. In these lands where several dynasties succeeded one another, you will discover remains of the greatest Mediterranean civilizations. In the north of the country, the Roman ruins of Volubilis stand.

In Rabat, pieces of architecture are evidence of the ancient French presence. Everywhere else, there are several treasures tracing the Muslim civilizations : the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the green expanses of the Menara gardens.

Between sea and mountains, desert sands and green plains, eye-popping panoramas are displayed to shower you with tranquility and natural beauty; enchanting vivid pictures with the richness of a brawling culture transport you into a most raw nature.

Settat is a city in Morocco between the national capital Rabat and Marrakesh. Settat is located 83.9 km (52.1 mi) by road south of the centre of Casablanca, roughly an hour's drive. It is the capital of Settat Province and is its largest city in both size and population. It had a population of 142,250 people, up from 116,570 people. Settat is 370 m (1,210 ft) above sea level, built on a plateau surrounded by foothills in all directions. The antiquities of Settat include the very old Ismailiya Kasbah (Boulaouane Kasbah) distinguished by the statue of a steed which lies at the centre of the city.

Let us know if you'll be attending!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse