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The 2023 NICOLA Annual Conference will be held in conjunction with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) at the Skukuza Safari Lodge on the 25th – 26th of October 2023.

In holding the conference in one of South Africa’s National Parks we will look to leverage the unique geographical setting and include/take inspiration from our venue to shape the conference experience. Furthermore, it also ties in with the South African National Parks (SANParks) Vision 2040 which was launched by Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, on 4 April 2023. The SANParks Vision 2040 aims to create Protected Areas and a protected area agency that is healthy, sustainable, and climate resilient; belong to, heal, and inspire all South Africans; reawakens and nurture national pride; are world-class in every aspect; and are prosperous, with tangible and intangible benefits flowing to stakeholders. To this end, we will look to incorporate elements of the National Park experience and are currently exploring the following elements as part of the conference programme:

  • SAN Parks invited keynote speaker regarding conservation and sustainability in the National Parks;
  • Networking activities which showcase the SANParks unique wildlife.
Our Platinum Sponsor:
Our Gold Sponsors

THE MAIN CALL FOR ABSTRACTS IS NOW CLOSED.

Abstracts are still welcome for poster presentations for the following themes:

  • Case studies from Africa
  • Nature based solutions
  • Resilience
  • Water, land and sediment contamination and remediation
  • Future challenges and emerging contaminants
  • Circularity and sustainability
  • Regulatory drivers
  • Remediation technologies
  • Assessing remediation success
  • Solutions in challenging site conditions
  • Complex contaminants
  • Vapour intrusion
  • Technology transfer
  • Characterisation, fate and transport

All platform and poster presenters are required to pay the conference registration fees; no financial assistance from the conference organisers is available to support registration or other costs of attending the conference.

Please note that the organising committee may contact you to request a change to either an oral presentation or poster depending on the mix/volume of abstracts submitted. Abstracts deemed to be overtly commercial in tone will not be accepted.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Authors are invited to submit their poster abstracts using the online form. Authors will be required to provide the following information:

  • Contact information
  • Selected theme
  • Abstract Title
  • Presenting Author
  • Co-author information (if applicable)
  • Body of abstract (No more than 500 words)
  • Presenting Author Bio (No more than 200 words)

SUBMISSION TIMELINE

Deadline for platform abstracts: 4 August 2023
Deadline for poster abstracts:  25 August 2023
Confirmation of acceptance for platform presentations: week of 28 August 2023
Confirmation of acceptance for poster abstracts: week of 28 August 2023

Formatting requirements for posters and instructions for submission of final oral presentations to the organising committee will be communicated upon confirmation of acceptance.

SUBMIT YOUR POSTER ABSTRACT HERE

Our Programme:
Our outline programme for the conference is shown below. A more detailed programme of speakers for the conference will be published when finalised (anticipated end-August).

25 October 2023
Day 1: Conference
Networking Event & Dinner (Bush Braai and 2 hour game drive)

26 October 2023
Day 2: Conference
Please note: Delegates attending both days of the conference will be eligible for 2 CPD credits

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT PROGRAMME HERE (in progress)

Registration Information

The conference and associated events represent an excellent opportunity for delegates to progress their professional development, hearing about the latest developments in sustainable land management and remediation whilst networking with world leading experts from industry, academia and the regulatory community. It furthermore represents a fantastic opportunity to capture ideas and ways of working which can be applied to your projects and generate value for your organisation. Our exhibition will showcase products, vendors and service providers with expertise on the African continent and beyond who can offer knowledgeable insights to support you on your projects and challenges.

We expect to have excellent keynote speakers (details to be announced soon)!
To maximise the opportunities for our delegates we will be organising poster presentations and oral presentations as well as additional networking opportunities.

Delegates attending both days of the conference will be eligible for 2 CPD credits.

Our pricing information is as follows:
Conference Fees* (25 and 26 October)

Early bird conference registration – members (valid until 20 Sept)R3,800
Early bird conference registration - non-members (valid until 20 Sept)R4,900
Standard conference registration – members (from 21 Sept)R4,500
Standard conference registration - non-members (from 21 Sept)R5,800
Students / NPOs - Early bird members (valid until 20 Sept)R1,600
Students / NPOs – Early bird non-members (valid until 20 Sept)R1,900
Students / NPOs - Standard members (from 21 Sept)R1,800
Students / NPOs – Standard non-members (from 21 Sept)R2,100
(maximum of 20 places available, first come first served)

Networking Opportunities

Networking Event and Dinner (evening of 25 October from 5pm)R600
(please add to your cart if you wish to settle with conference ticket)

Conference packages

Conference packages have been developed which include a combination of conference attendance, three nights’ accommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge, SANParks entry permit/conservation fees and the networking event and dinner. Please note three nights’ accommodation have been included due to the availability of flights leaving from Skukuza airport (for further details see ‘Accommodation and Logistics’). Skukuza Safari Lodge has been included as the default accommodation choice as it is the most financially economical option available.

Conference Package 1
Members – Early bird
(valid until 20 Sept)

R8,300*

Conference Package 2
Non-Members – Early bird
(valid until 20 Sept)

R9,400*

Conference Package 3
Members – Early bird
(valid until 20 Sept)

R7,700*

Conference Package 4
Non-Members – Early bird
(valid until 20 Sept)

R8,800*
All conference registration fees – full conference access All conference registration fees – full conference accessAll conference registration fees – full conference accessAll conference registration fees – full conference access
SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)
Networking event and dinner (bush braai and 2-hour game drive – 25 Oct)Networking event and dinner (bush braai and 2-hour game drive – 25 Oct)
Accommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfast
*Package excludes dinner for arrival night (24 Oct) and last night (26 Oct). Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for arrival night (24 Oct) and last night (26 Oct). Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for all nights. Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for all nights. Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.
Conference Package 5
Members Late registration
(from 21 Sept)

R9,000*

Conference Package 6
Non-Members – Late registration
(from 21 Sept)

R10,300*

Conference Package 7
Members – Late registration
(from 21 Sept)

R8,400*

Conference Package 8
Non-Members – Late registration
(from 21 Sept)

R9,700*
All conference registration fees – full conference accessAll conference registration fees – full conference accessAll conference registration fees – full conference accessAll conference registration fees – full conference access
SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)SANParks entry permit / conservation fees (valid for 5-days upon entry)
Networking event and dinner (bush braai and 2-hour game drive – 25 Oct)Networking event and dinner (bush braai and 2-hour game drive – 25 Oct)
Accommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfastAccommodation at Skukuza Safari Lodge for 3 nights (24-27 Oct), including buffet breakfast
*Package excludes dinner for arrival night (24 Oct) and last night (26 Oct). Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for arrival night (24 Oct) and last night (26 Oct). Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for all nights. Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.		*Package excludes dinner for all nights. Dinner at Skukuza’s restaurants for delegate’s own account.
*Excludes all travel and transfers.
Delegates can register for the conference here

*Any NICOLA paid-up company member (‘Type 1’ only: 3 members or more) qualify for a discounted amount of R17 500 for 5 registrations applicable to ANY person within that company member organisation. This offer is only valid during the early bird period.
*All invoices will be in ZAR.

Key Dates
Deadline for platform abstracts: 4 August 2023
Deadline for poster abstracts: 25 August 2023
Confirmation of acceptance for platform presentations: week of 28 August 2023
Confirmation of acceptance for poster abstracts: week of 28 August 2023
Draft Programme Announced: 4 September 2023
Early Bird Registration Ends: 20 September 2023

Registration Terms & Conditions
1. Early Bird registrations must be fully paid for by 20 September 2023. 2. Registrations booked after 20 September 2023, are to be paid in full 30 days after the date of the invoice. 3. Registrations made less than 30 days before the event must be paid in full prior to the event start date. 4. There is no refund or credit given for non-attendance. 5. Should you be unable to attend you are welcome to reassign your registration to another attendee who has the same registration status. Please notify admin@nicola-org to re-assign your registration. 6. Cancellations are non-refundable. Please notify admin@nicola-org if you wish to cancel. 8. There is no refund or credit given where the event has to be cancelled due to force majeure.

Sponsorship & Exhibition Information

The exhibition and networking events will give you many opportunities to make new connections, meet new potential clients, further develop your existing client relationships and create collaboration opportunities with peers, international experts and other professionals. The conference also creates a great opportunity for organisations to meet new and young talented aspiring environmentalists.

Sponsors and exhibitors at the conference are extremely important to ensure the success of the conference. We welcome early confirmation of your participation in our programme and look forward to supporting you to give you the right level of exposure and recognition.

Sponsorship and exhibition packages

Our Platinum Sponsor:
Our Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors

Enhancing Our Sustainability

The networking platform NICOLA brings together sustainability, innovation, and collaboration to create a more sustainable future in the remediation of contaminated lands. As proponents of positive change, we are honoured to present a few significant efforts/initiatives that are intended to improve sustainability across various sectors and encourage teamwork in the direction of a better future.

Below are the NICOLA platform and conference initiatives focused on enhancing sustainability:

NICOLA initiatives:

Webinars and Training:

We provide hands-on webinars and training sessions designed to empower decision makers (industry, authority bodies, and remediation contractors) with applied skills and strategies for implementing sustainable remediation practices on the African continent.

Networking for Impact:

Our Network provides like-minded individuals in industry, academia, NGOs, and government a platform for networking and collaboration. It offers an opportunity to forge connections, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities to collectively enhance sustainability efforts.

Conference Initiatives:

Innovative Keynotes:

Our conference features thought-provoking keynote speakers and discussions on the latest innovations in sustainable remediation. Renowned experts will share insights, challenges, and success stories that inspire attendees to drive positive change in the field of contaminated soil and groundwater.

Sustainable Remediation Technology Showcase:

The conference offers an opportunity to explore a showcase of cutting-edge sustainable technologies and remediation solutions from sponsors and environmental contractors. From renewable energy innovations to circular economy practices, attendees will gain first-hand knowledge of how technology is shaping a more sustainable world.

Our Conference Venue

Enjoy the ultimate bush escape in the world-renowned Kruger National Park at the newly-built Skukuza Safari Lodge. The perfect balance of luxurious comforts and unrivaled diversity of life forms, the lodge offers world-class tourism facilities for local and international visitors.

Location
The Skukuza Safari Lodge is located in the Skukuza Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park.

Drive
Car Rental

Avis Car Rental offers car rental services from Skukuza Airport. The driving distance from the airport to the rest camp is approximately 5km.

Self-Drive

The main roads in the Kruger National Park (between the Gates and Camps) are tarred, allowing for a comfortable self-drive experience. The closest gate to Skukuza Rest Camp is the Paul Kruger Gate, situated 12km from the camp.

Note that Kruger National Park entrance Gates and Skukuza Rest Camp gates are open from 05:30 – 18:00. Access to and from Skukuza Rest Camp is only possible during these times.

The driving time from Johannesburg to Skukuza Rest Camp is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Flights

Airlink operates daily scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town to Skukuza Airport.

Airlink’s scheduled air services to Skukuza airport:

FromToDeparture Time
OR Tambo International Airport, JohannesburgSkukuza Airport10:00
Cape Town International AirportSkukuza Airport10:35
Skukuza AirportCape Town International Airport11:20
Skukuza AirportOR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg13:20
Visit skukuzaairport.com for additional information.

Entrance gates, as well as gate opening and closing times.

Kruger Park Southern Gates

Malelane Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit and head through Nelspruit to Malelane
  • Turn left at Kruger National Park sign just outside Malelane and head towards the Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the drive

Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, head through Nelspruit to Malelane and on to Komatipoort (about 110kms)
  • Turn left onto the R571 just after Komatipoort and head on to the Gate
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Numbi Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River
  • Just outside White River take the R538 to the Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the drive

Paul Kruger Entrance Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River, Hazyview
  • From Hazyview, take the R536 to the Gate
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Phabeni Gate

  • Take the N4 to Nelspruit, then take the R40 to White River, Hazyview via the R40
  • From Hazyview, take the R536 to the Gate – Gate is 10kms outside Hazyview
  • Allow between 5 to 6 hours for the drive

Central Kruger Park Gates

Orpen Entrance Gate

  • Head toward Nelspruit on the N4, take the R540 Belfast turn off
  • At Lydenburg turn left onto the R36 heading north
  • 30kms before Hoedspruit turn right onto the R531 and head to the Orpen Entrance Gate
  • Allow between 4 to 5 hours for the trip

Phalaborwa Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • 4kms before Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen
  • After Tzaneen, head towards Phalaborwa
  • Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip

Northern Kruger Park Gates

Phalaborwa Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 toll-road to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • Before reaching Polokwane turn right onto the R71 and head for Tzaneen
  • After Tzaneen head towards Phalaborwa
  • Allow between 6 to 7 hours for the trip

Punda Maria Entrance Gate

  • Take the N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg)
  • At Makhado (Louis Trichard) link up with the R524 and follow this route for ±140km
  • That will take you to the Punda Maria Entrance Gate, approximately a 5 – 6 hour drive

Kruger Park Gate Times

Entrance Gates Opening Times

  • Oct – Mar: 05:30

Camp Gates Opening Times

  • Oct: 05:30

Camp Gate Closing Times

  • Aug – Oct: 18:00

 

Interesting links:
https://skukuzalodge.com/
https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/camps/skukuza/
https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Travel_Advisory-travel/restaurant-facilities-kruger-park.html
https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Maps_of_Kruger_Park-Travel/Maps_of_Kruger_Park.html
https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Travel_Advisory-travel/conservation-fees.html
https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Travel_Advisory-travel/what-to-pack-krugerpark-safari.html
https://www.krugerpark.co.za/Kruger_Park_Travel_Advisory-travel/gate-quota-system.html

Accommodation
Accommodation is available onsite at the Skukuza Safari Lodge at a conference special rate of R1,300 pp/night, including buffet breakfast. Delegates can book the Skukuza Safari Lodge (https://skukuzalodge.com/the-lodge) as part of the conference package (link to package). The lodge is within walking distance from the conference venue.

Alternatively, guest can stay at the Skukuza Camp which is the capital of Kruger National Park. It is the biggest camp and includes facilities such as a shop, ATM, internet cafe, restaurant, library, fuel station and more. These self-catering bungalows are within walking distance from the conference venue. The units feature kitchenettes which vary from bungalow to bungalow. Some kitchenettes are fitted with hotplates and sinks, while other have only sinks and some have neither. Cutlery and crockery can be hired from reception. NOTE: The bungalows do not have wi-fi access. The rate is R1,610 pp/night and excludes breakfast. These bungalows are ideal if you prefer a self-catering option.

Dietary Requirements
Please make NICOLA aware of any dietary requirements or requests at least 30 days prior to commencement of the conference and preferably when booking your conference ticket/package. If conference tickets are purchased after the 24th of September or other requests are received after this time it is not possible for the venue to accommodate due to the relative remote location and catering supply agreements.

International visa requirements
International delegates should consult the immigration pages of the Department of Home Affairs to determine visa requirements for entry to South Africa.

Travel safety in South Africa
We recommend international delegates familiarise themselves with travel safety advice from their host country prior to travel.