As part of our new pluri-disciplinary research initiative focusing on the spatial transformation of territories and urban regions in the Indian Ocean, we are organising an annual colloquium that focuses on the futures of small island developing states (SIDS) in the face of climate change. The first colloquium will take place on 26 to 28 of November 2024 in Mauritius. The disastrous impact of water-related disasters due to climate change on small island states' infrastructures is widely known and yet the adoption of critical action at both macro and micro levels for resilient development is slow-paced. SIDS have specific natural environments and frail ecosystems. Natural disasters only increase their vulnerabilities. In insular contexts marked by limited access to resources for advanced urbanization and territorial development, grassroot innovative practices to adapt to climate disasters slowly emerge in SIDS. This first edition of the colloquium aims to explore resilient  practices being adopted by SIDS facing environmental and climatic challenges, question current policy strategies and planning practices and imagine alternative spatial transformations. In addition  to developing new partnerships, the exchange in knowledge will result in the publication of colloquium proceedings that highlight innovative approaches and emerging initiatives embracing transformative research approach for SIDS.

This call is open to researchers, professionals, doctoral students, academics and representatives in the field of urban planning, geography, architecture and environmental engineering. The deadline for receiving applications is the 9th of August 2024.

Colloquium timeline

• Issuing of the call for long abstracts (500 words) – 3June 2024

• Closing date for abstract submissions – 9 August 2024     

• Confirmation and examination of all abstracts received (Tome 1) – 15 August 2024

• Information on the acceptance of submissions - 6 September 2024

• Closing date for presentation articles – 1 november 2024

• Colloquium      – 26 to 28 November 2024          

• Closing date for articles to publish - 15 January 2025

• Publication of conference proceedings & roadmap of agreed initiatives (Tome 2) – 7 February 2025

Colloquium topics 

The colloquium will be composed of presentations, roundtable discussions, workshops and technical site visits which will be spread over the three days. The prevailing topics during the colloquium emanate from the five research poles at CEDTI and are as follows: 

Topic 1 Title: Digital transformations for coastline at risk

Topic 2 Title: Geography of Transitions 

Topic 3 Title: Submersible Architecture / Insubmersible architecture

Topic 4 Title: Skills to anticipate the futures of water in insular territories

Topic 5 Title: Water and architectural structures for food production