The Genesis of ISCRAES: Bridging Science for Sustainable Agriculture

Agricultural systems make a significant contribution to greenhouse gas production and environmental pollution. Addressing this issue requires an integrated approach to mitigate these effects and develop production systems that are climate-smart and environmentally friendly.

To tackle the pressing challenges of climate change in agriculture, Dr. Ibrahim Khalil established the Climate-Resilient Agri-Environmental Systems (CRAES) group. This initiative garnered significant recognition, receiving a Strategic Priority Award from the University College Dublin (UCD) Earth Institute.

The CRAES group leverages UCD’s extensive expertise and fosters collaboration with both national and international partners to develop effective solutions. Over time, this collaborative platform evolved into a pivotal forum for scientists worldwide: the International Symposium on Climate-Resilient Agri-Environmental Systems (ISCRAES).

ISCRAES serves as a vital hub for discussing the latest scientific advancements and sharing insights aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural production, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies within agricultural systems.

In 2020, the inaugural “International Symposium on Climate-Resilient Agri-Environmental Systems (ISCRAES)” was organized. The symposium provided a platform to discuss the scientific and technical aspects associated with the environmental impact of agricultural systems. These discussions encompassed various interrelated issues, including public perception, regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic factors.

During the first ISCRAES in 2020, a decision was made to hold the symposium biennially under the coordination of a national organising committee chaired by Dr. Khalil. The second edition of the symposium took place in Dublin, Ireland, in 2022 and the 3rd ISCRAES 2024 was held at University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland. 

 

ISCRAES Themes/Sessions

1. Sustainable Crop Management Practices;

2. Climate-Resilient Grassland Systems;

3. Genetic Innovations for Climate Resilience;

4.  Agroforestry Systems for Ecosystem Services;

5. Biodiversity Conservation & Restoration;

6.   Land Health for Climate Resilience;

7. Water Management for a Resilient Future;

8. Integrated Pest & Disease Management;

9. Climate Risks & Vulnerability Across Agri-Systems;

10. Early Warning Systems & Climate Risk Mapping;

11.   Geospatial Technologies for Climate-Smart Agriculture;

12. Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture;

13. Farm Modelling & Decision Support Systems;

14. Policy & Finance for Resilient Agri-systems;

15. Circular Agriculture & Bioeconomy;

16. Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Resilience;

17. Low-Carbon Agri-Food Systems; and

18. Special Sessions/Workshops