Orchis 2000 Conference on Orchids and Conservation in San Zeno

Here is the program for the conference “Orchis 2000” which will be held at the Park Hotel Jolanda, located at via degli Alpini 7 in San Zeno di Montagna from Sunday to Friday, the 19th. On Sunday 14th, at 5 p.m., participant registration and poster setup will take place, continuing also the following day, with the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and a welcome cocktail. At 10:40 a.m., Galeazze Sciarretta will discuss “Botanical charm of Monte Baldo”, introducing the first session dedicated to biosystematics and taxonomy. This session will feature, in order, the following speakers: K.R. Buttler from Frankfurt (Taxonomy of Orchidaceae), E. Meiki from Paris (Biogeography and Systematics of Ophrys sphegodes in France and surroundings), and H.F. Paulus from Vienna (pollination in the Ophris fusca group). Following this, there will be presentations, a coffee break, and poster discussions.

Sessions and speakers

The next day, the second session dedicated to Phytogeography and Evolution will begin at 9 a.m. with Ph. Kupfer from Neuchâtel. In the afternoon, P. Quentin from Vitry/Seine will speak on the history of orchid taxonomy. The third session, focused on chorology and conservation, will start at 9 a.m. on Thursday, the 18th, with D. Tyeca from Leuvan La Neuve discussing Portuguese orchids. This will be followed in the afternoon by W. Rossi from L’Aquila (Genetic erosion in Cypripedium calceolus), and R. Lorenz from Weinheim, who will speak about the genus “Serapias” in Italy. After some presentations, at 5 p.m., the closing ceremony of the International Conference will be held.

Side activities and practical information

Additionally, on Friday, the 19th, at 6:30 p.m., the Giros members’ assembly is scheduled. Alongside the conference, as mentioned, a busy schedule of activities is planned, including nature excursions and programs for companions. On Monday, the 15th, at 3 p.m., a guided trip to Verona; on Tuesday, the 16th, at 9 a.m., an excursion to Alto Garda with a visit to the exhibition “The Universal Flood” and Trento; on Wednesday, the 17th, at 9 a.m., a nature hike on Monte Baldo, and at 6 p.m., a cruise on Lake Garda with a gala dinner aboard the motor ship “Italia”. On Thursday, the 18th, at 9 a.m., a trip to Lower Garda including a visit to the Napoleonic site of Rivoli; on Friday, the 19th, at 9 a.m., a naturalistic excursion in the Lessinia Natural Park; and on Saturday, the 20th, at 9 a.m., guided orchid walks in small groups. The official languages for lectures and discussions are Italian and English. During conference days, simultaneous translation services will be available.

Contacts and information

For further information, contact the Organizing Secretariat “Orchis 2000” and/or the Tourism Promotion Agency, located at n. 12 Lungolago Regina Adelaide 3, Garda (VR).