2025 CONFERENCE – Nicola Org

ANNUAL NICOLA CONFERENCE
GLENBURN LODGE & SPA
MULDERSDRIFT
5 & 6 NOVEMBER 2025

The Network for Industrially Contaminated Land in Africa (NICOLA) is proud to host the NICOLA 2025 Conference: Soil, Science, and Society – Collaborative Responses to Climate and Contamination.

This year’s conference brings together leading scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to explore sustainable, innovative responses to complex environmental challenges.

📅 Dates: 5 – 6 November 2025
📍 Venue: Glenburn Lodge & Spa, Muldersdrift, Gauteng, South Africa

Participants can look forward to an engaging program of presentations and networking opportunities aimed at shaping the future of land and groundwater remediation in South Africa and Africa and beyond.

Pre-Conference Excursion: Sterkfontein Caves

Before the conference, join us for a unique pre-conference experience exploring the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves – one of the most important paleoanthropological sites globally.

Led by archaeologist Dr. Matthew Caruana (University of Johannesburg, Palaeo-Research Institute), the tour is themed “Bridging buried risks and ancient voices.” Participants will gain fascinating insights into human origins, deep time, and landscape resilience, providing a thought-provoking context for conference discussions.

📩 To book your spot, simply select the Pre-Conference Tour option when registering.

We look forward to welcoming you to NICOLA 2025, where science, collaboration, and innovation come together to create lasting solutions for climate challenges, land regeneration, and sustainable development.

Our Gold Sponsors

The call for abstracts for the NICOLA Conference 2025 is now closed.

📅 New Key Dates:

Abstract submission deadline: 29 August 2025
Notification to presenters: by mid-September 2025
Presenter registration deadline: 19 September 2025
Early Bird deadline: 19 September 2025
Final registration closes: 24 October 2025

🧪 Key Sub-Themes Include:

Collaborative remediation, rehabilitation & restoration
Innovations in treatment, containment & repurposing
Nature-based remediation approaches
Technology in remediation: AI, remote sensing & more
Tackling legacy environmental impacts
Uplifting emerging professionals
Unlocking the economic potential of restored land

📝 Abstract Guidelines:

Maximum 500 words
Multiple entries allowed (submit individually)
Electronic submissions only
Headshot required for all presenters
All platform 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.

📨 Submit now: Online abstract submission
📧 Questions? admin@nicola-org.com
🔗 Register online: Online conference registration

⏳ Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversations shaping the future of contaminated land and groundwater management in a changing climate.

SUBMIT YOUR 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-September).

🌍 Pre-Conference Excursion: Sterkfontein Caves

Date: 4 November 2025
Cost: R250 (includes light snack)
Spaces Limited: 60 participants only (first come, first served)

Join us for a unique pre-conference experience exploring the iconic Sterkfontein Caves, one of the world’s most important paleoanthropological sites. The tour is led by renowned archaeologist Dr. Matthew Caruana, senior lecturer at the Palaeo-Research Institute (University of Johannesburg) and co-investigator on major archaeological projects across Southern Africa.

Themed “Bridging buried risks and ancient voices,” this immersive tour offers insights into deep time, human origins, and landscape resilience – setting the perfect stage for NICOLA 2025 discussions on land, risk, and regeneration.

📩 To book your spot, please select the Pre-Conference Tour option during registration.
📧 For enquiries, contact: admin@nicola-org.com

📅 Conference Dates: 5 – 6 November 2025
Venue: Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift, Gauteng

Registration Options

Choose the registration option that best suits you:

Full Conference Access Only – perfect if you prefer to arrange your own accommodation.
Conference Packages – includes full conference access, plus one night’s accommodation and dinner at Glenburn Lodge on 5 November.

Early Bird Deadline: 19 September 2025
Final Registration Closes: 24 October 2025
Click here to register online: Online conference registration

Registration Information

The NICOLA 2025 Conference and associated events present an unparalleled opportunity for delegates to advance their professional development, gain fresh insights, and connect with world-leading experts in sustainable land management and remediation.

Through keynote sessions, oral and poster presentations, and interactive networking, delegates will explore the latest developments shaping our industry while exchanging ideas that can be applied directly to their projects and organisations.

Early bird conference registration – members (valid until 21 Sept)	R6,600
Early bird conference registration - non-members (valid until 21 Sept)	R7,750
Standard conference registration – members (from 22 Sept)	R7,500
Standard conference registration - non-members (from 22 Sept)	R8,650
Students / NPOs - Early bird conference registration (valid until 21 Sept)	R2,000
Students / NPOs - Standard conference registration (from 22 Sept)	R2,400

Networking Opportunities

Networking Event and Celebratory Dinner (evening of 28 October) (please add to your cart if you wish to settle with conference ticket)	R1,100
Sunset Game Drive	R1,000

Conference packages

Conference packages have been developed which include a combination of full conference attendance, one nights’ accommodation at the Glenburn Lodge, and the networking event and dinner.

Conference Package 1 Members (Available from 20 September 2025) R9,500 (incl. VAT)*	Conference Package 2 Non-Members (Available from 20 September 2025) R10,750 (incl. VAT)*	Conference Package 3 Members (Available from 20 September 2025) R8,800 (incl. VAT)*	Conference Package 4 Non-Members (Available from 20 September 2025) R10,050 (incl. VAT)*
This comprehensive conference package includes:	This comprehensive conference package includes:	This package includes:	This package includes:
✔️ Full access to all conference sessions and activities	✔️ Full access to all conference sessions and activities	✔️ Full registration for the conference, with access to all sessions and networking events	✔️ Full registration for the conference, with access to all sessions and networking events
✔️ Admission to the official conference dinner on 5 November	✔️ Admission to the official conference dinner on 5 November	✔️ One night’s accommodation at Glenburn Lodge Hotel on 5 November, including a full buffet breakfast	✔️ One night’s accommodation at Glenburn Lodge Hotel on 5 November, including a full buffet breakfast
✔️ One night’s accommodation at Glenburn Lodge Hotel on 5 November, including a buffet breakfast	✔️ One night’s accommodation at Glenburn Lodge Hotel on 5 November, including a buffet breakfast	🚫 Please note: This package does not include the conference dinner on 5 November.	🚫 Please note: This package does not include the conference dinner on 5 November.
📌 Please note: Travel and airport/local transfers are not included in the package price.	📌 Please note: Travel and airport/local transfers are not included in the package price.	✈️ All travel and transfer costs are excluded.	✈️ All travel and transfer costs are excluded.

Delegates can register for the conference here

Registration and Payment Terms

By registering for the NICOLA Annual Conference, you agree to the following:

Early Bird: Registration due by 19 September 2025, with payment required within 7 days of registration to secure the discounted rate.
Standard: Registrations after 20 September 2025 payable within 30 days of invoice.
Non-Attendance: No refunds or credits for non-attendance.
Substitutions: Permitted at no cost with written notice to admin@nicola-org.com.
Cancellations:
- Must be submitted in writing to admin@nicola-org.com.
- Received on/before 15 October 2025: 50% refund.
- Received after 15 October 2025 or non-attendance: no refund.
Force Majeure: No refunds or credits if the event is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control.

Sponsorship & Exhibition Information

The exhibition and networking events at the NICOLA Annual Conference provide invaluable opportunities to build meaningful connections, engage with potential clients, strengthen existing relationships, and explore new avenues for collaboration with peers, international experts, and professionals across a wide range of sectors. The conference also offers organisations a unique platform to engage with young and aspiring environmental professionals, the next generation of leaders in sustainable land management and remediation.

Sponsors and exhibitors play a vital role in ensuring the success of the conference. By participating, your organisation will gain visibility and recognition among a targeted audience of industry leaders, academics, regulators, and practitioners. Whether you are looking to showcase innovative products and services, highlight thought leadership, or strengthen your brand presence, our sponsorship and exhibition programme is designed to support your goals.

We encourage early confirmation of participation to maximise exposure in the lead-up to the conference and to secure your preferred package. Our team is committed to working with you to ensure the right level of visibility and impact for your organisation.