As an annual series, the conference project will develop a focus on four inter-locking areas.

Area 1 will examine the changing relationship between nature, culture, and society and will look at the impact of environmental thinking and ethics on issues such as animal/species welfare and rights, conservation and preservation, sustainable resources, food and feeding, space and air space, present and future needs, human 'rights', and our obligations to future generations.

Area 2 will examine the ethical and political impact of environmental thinking, looking at its emergence and role in political contexts, the factors which influence the formation of environmental policy, what (if any) is the place of economic methods and considerations, differing perspectives on the interpretation of scientific data, and the ability of national and international communities to successfully implement environmental policies.

Area 3 will examine the international nature of environmental issues and look at the problem solving processes which are or might be employed particularly in light of globalisation. Specific examples and case studies can be used to highlight the rise to international political prominence of ecological and environmental concerns, how environmental negotiation works in the context of international relations, the responsibilities of multi-national companies, the feasibility of establishing environmental 'laws', and the future of ecological 'business'.

Area 4 will explicitly examine the themes of justice, community and citizenship, looking at the tensions present in ecological debates, the influence of cultural values, the meaning of ethical business practice, the assessment of what counts as environmental equality, inequality, and justice, and our responsibilities toward the world in which we live. The translation of statistics to individual faces, numbers and the people they represent, questions about what we must do, and the role of protest groups will also be considered.

Perspectives are sought from people engaged in: agriculture and agricultural economics, city and regional planning, conflict resolution and mediation, environmental studies, human development and ecology, industrial relations and design, philosophy and ethics, political science and international affairs, public policy and advising, social sciences, theology, urban studies, western European studies; people in the public and private sectors who are involved in planning and project development, policy-making and implementation, and negotiation and mediation at national and international levels; people in Governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations, voluntary sector bodies, environmental charities and groups, business and professional associations.

Papers will be considered on any related theme, writer, book or film. 300 word abstracts should be submitted by Wednesday 28th November 2001. Full draft papers should be submitted by Thursday 17th January 2002.

The conference is the first in an annual series of research projects, run under the general banner 'Probing the Boundaries'. It aims to create working 'encounter' groups between people of differing perspectives, disciplines, professions, and contexts. The project is to be supported by an e-mail discussion group, resource website, ISSN e-journal, and dedicated ISBN publication series.

Selected papers accepted for and presented at the conference will be published in themed volumes. Please contact Dr Rob Fisher for further information. Submission deadline: 28 November 2001