The conference is a forum for encouraging the development of young scientists and is expected to take place on 16-19 November 2003 in Trieste, Italy. One of the major outcomes will be a cadre of talented, enthusiastic young scholars from many regions to provide the basis for the development of future intra- and inter-regional research activities. Senior scientists including the leaders of the core projects of the global change programmes will work with the young scientists to prepare their papers for submission to international journals. This conference is expected to take place every four years.