The first International Conference on

Always a cultural crossroads, the Mediterranean Region is attracting increasing international attention for its rich history, unique biodiversity, and socio-economic complexity. These elements are fueling the debate on how to address current and future challenges in the Region and beyond.

The first edition of the International Conference “Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)” in 2024 aims to highlight sustainable development issues related to the cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region.

The cultural landscape in the Mediterranean Region is the result of the historical combination of the work of man and nature, an essential part of the European heritage and an indispensable element for the quality of life of human communities.

In a global context that is increasingly aware of the need to address complex challenges, the conference aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform characterized by the breadth and depth of its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach, attracting the interest and participation of scholars, experts, and academics from different fields of expertise to explore, share and develop innovative and sustainable ideas that will make a significant contribution to understanding this important issue.

This approach is based on the recognition that environmental, social, and economic challenges require an integrated and in-depth understanding, exploring the deep links between cultural history, the natural environment, and social dynamics, and outlining a comprehensive framework that can guide sustainable policies and innovative practices. Through the contribution of a variety of disciplines, the conference aims to lay the foundations for a comprehensive view of Mediterranean landscapes, considering them as interconnected systems that involve both humans and the environment.

The challenge of reconciling development and conservation requires a multi-focal and synergistic approach that involves knowledge sharing and in-depth study of issues related to social sciences, environmental sciences, architecture, economics, information technology, infrastructure, energy, environment, agro-forestry and many other related sectors, capable of offering different and complete perspectives on issues that require an integrated understanding of cultural, environmental and economic dynamics.

Through the presentation of innovative research, the exchange of practical experiences and active collaboration, the conference will seek to define strategies that can guide policies and practices to preserve the cultural and natural richness of Mediterranean landscapes, and to shape a future in which development and conservation coexist harmoniously, allowing Mediterranean landscapes to flourish for generations to come.

The topics of the conference cover issues of global relevance. Climate change, sustainable resource management, cultural heritage conservation and the promotion of equitable economic development are just some of the issues that will be addressed. The conference aims to contribute not only to the well-being of the Mediterranean region, but also to the global debate on how to preserve and responsibly manage Mediterranean landscapes in an increasingly interconnected world.

Aims

The first edition of the International Conference “Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED)” aims to foster links between scholars, experts and academics by encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas, according to the following objectives:

– Multidisciplinary Innovation: To provide a platform for the presentation and discussion of innovative research and interdisciplinary projects that contribute to the understanding and resolution of contemporary challenges in Mediterranean landscapes.

– Scientific advancement: To promote scientific progress through the presentation of high-quality research results, stimulating critical reflection and collaboration between the various disciplines involved.

– Sustainable development: To explore sustainable solutions for the management and conservation of Mediterranean landscapes, taking into account social, economic and environmental aspects.

– Training and education: To provide training and educational opportunities through workshops, interactive sessions, and seminars by internationally renowned experts.

• 1. Part 1: Landscape Conservation, Enhancement and Management
  
   
• 2. Part 2: Infrastructure and Landscape Integration
  
   
• 3. Part 3: Architecture and Built Environment
  
   
• 4. Part 4: Natural Resources Management
  
   
• 5. Part 5: Climate Change and Resilient Landscapes
  
   
• 6. Part 6: Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Preservation
  
   
• 7. Part 7: Sustainable Tourism and Recreation in Landscapes
  
   
• 8. Part 8: Social Equity and Community Engagement in Landscape Planning
  
   
• 9. Part 9: Innovative Technologies for Landscape Design and Management
  
   
• 10. Part 10: Mediterranean value-scapes. Exploring the Contents and Forms of Axiological Reform
  
   
• 11. Part 11:Landscape Integration of European Green Deal Strategies
  
   

A. Physical Attendance

• If multiple abstracts are submitted by the same first author submitted to the conference, a 25% discount is applied to each additional submission.

• Each research paper should have one main author who should pay the full fee (Author fees) regardless of attendance. Co-authors, each, have their own fees to pay to attend the event. This applies to online attendance as well as physical attendance.

• A research paper fee allows only one author, whether main or co-author, to attend the conference and receive only one copy of the conference Abstract book in both hard and soft copies. Extras can be requested for an additional fee.

• Professionals are categorized as participants who are not affiliated with universities such as practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs etc.

• Students must provide proof of enrollment in a university by providing an enrollment certificate or a valid university ID (with issue/ expiry date) etc.

• Additionally, you have the option to present your submitted abstract as a presentation without the intention of publishing your work, for information about the fees and additional details, please feel free to get in touch with us at: crossmed@ierek-scholar.org.

B. Online Attendance

• A softcopy of the abstracts book and/ or hard copy (excluding shipping)

• IEREK Participation/ Contribution Certificate in softcopy

• Acceptance Letters in softcopy

• Consideration for publishing in the IEREK ASTI series by Springer or IEREK Press

• Access to conference recordings

C. Extra Fees

Payment Methods

 Payment of the registration fee can be made via the following methods (only after online registration):

1. Bank transfer 

Kindly send a request to the conference coordinator/ email and CC financialservices@ierek.com to receive bank details to complete the payment.

2. Online payment gateway (PayPal)

Participants who would like to complete their payments online must send a request to the conference coordinator/ email and CC financialservices@ierek.com to receive a customized link to complete their payments.

3. Cash in IEREK branches

Payment in person can be arranged. Please contact the conference coordinator/ Email to receive further information.

Payment Terms and Guidelines:

• Read more on Important Dates. For information on payment dates, kindly send a request to the conference coordinator/email and CC financialservices@ierek.com to receive payment details to complete the payment.

• Authors who have registered and completed payment for virtual attendance CAN request a change to physical attendance. However, a change from physical to virtual is NOT possible.

• After online registration and payment, the registration fee cannot be reimbursed.

• Final Acceptance/ rejection of your full/ extended paper (if submitted) can only be given after the peer review process.

• Inclusion in the conference program, acceptance letters issuance and consideration for publication must be preceded by registration and payment completion.

• Online Payment (only) should only be completed once a proforma invoice is issued with respective instructions for successful payment.

• Contact our Financial Department for inquiries/ requests.

All accepted submissions to the conference, after a rigorous double-blinded peer-review process by the respective and a highly-extinguished Editorial Board, will be published in one of the following:

• Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation (ASTI), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature. (Scopus indexed)  

About ASTI

Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) is a series of peer-reviewed books based on important emerging research that redefines the current disciplinary boundaries in science, technology and innovation (STI) in order to develop integrated concepts for sustainable development. It not only discusses the progress made towards securing more resources, allocating smarter solutions, and rebalancing the relationship between nature and people, but also provides in-depth insights from comprehensive research that addresses the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) as set out by the UN for 2030.

The series draws on the best research papers from various IEREK and other international conferences to promote the creation and development of viable solutions for a sustainable future and a positive societal transformation with the help of integrated and innovative science-based approaches. Including interdisciplinary contributions, it presents innovative approaches and highlights how they can best support both economic and sustainable development, through better use of data, more effective institutions, and global, local and individual action, for the welfare of all societies. The series particularly features conceptual and empirical contributions from various interrelated fields of science, technology and innovation, with an emphasis on digital transformation, that focus on providing practical solutions to ensure food, water and energy security to achieve the SDGs. It also presents new case studies offering concrete examples of how to resolve sustainable urbanization and environmental issues in different regions of the world. Read More.

The ASTI series is fully indexed in Scopus and any chapter/ paper published as part of this series will be seen on the Scopus database. Some titles have been successfully indexed or submitted for indexation in Web of Science (ISI).

• Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management (SLNR), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature.

About SLNR

Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management (SLNR) is a peer-reviewed book series that presents groundbreaking research through the intersection of two main areas that of which are ‘Sustainable Landscape Planning’ and ‘Natural Resources Management’. The series initially covers a wide range of academic disciplines in sustainability, including landscape ecology, green urbanism, urban regeneration, land restoration and renaturation, energy management, and nature conservation. Moreover, it also incorporates the latest developments and research in engineering topics that contribute to more sustainable cities, such as Geosciences, infrastructure, civil engineering, geology, mining, water, and natural resources conservation and management.

By showcasing methods for discovering, managing, and employing natural resources, the series aims to provide approaches that enable the responsible use of these resources. Ultimately, the SLNR series is committed to advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. Read More.

• Sustainable Civil Infrastructures (SUCI), an IEREK Interdisciplinary book series published by Springer Nature.

About SUCI

Sustainable Civil Infrastructures (SUCI) is a series of peer-reviewed books and proceedings based on the best studies on emerging research from all fields related to sustainable infrastructures and aiming at improving our well-being and day-to-day lives. The infrastructures we are building today will shape our lives tomorrow. The complex and diverse nature of the impacts due to weather extremes on transportation and civil infrastructures can be seen in our roadways, bridges, and buildings. Extreme summer temperatures, droughts, flash floods, and rising numbers of freeze-thaw cycles pose challenges for civil infrastructure and can endanger public safety. We constantly hear how civil infrastructures need constant attention, preservation, and upgrading. Such improvements and developments would obviously benefit from our desired book series that provides sustainable engineering materials and designs. The economic impact is huge and much research has been conducted worldwide. The future holds many opportunities, not only for researchers in a given country, but also for the worldwide field engineers who apply and implement these technologies. We believe that no approach can succeed if it does not unite the efforts of various engineering disciplines from all over the world under one umbrella to offer a beacon of modern solutions to the global infrastructure. Experts from the various engineering disciplines around the globe will participate in this series, including: Geotechnical, Geological, Geoscience, Petroleum, Structural, Transportation, Bridge, Infrastructure, Energy, Architectural, Chemical and Materials, and other related Engineering disciplines.
SUCI series is now indexed in SCOPUS and EI Compendex.  

• IEREK Press Journals, a multidisciplinary publisher that aims to cultivate and disseminate research.

Environmental Science & Sustainable Development (ESSD)

ESSD is a peer-reviewed, scholarly journal that aims to systematically develop the research-driven curiosity and evidence-based discourse of aspiring scholars that seek to contribute to the academic community. As the world is currently living in an age of information where sources are widely available on the Internet, we at ESSD seek to efficiently utilize the available information to help create robust and evidence-based knowledge. In the process, we offer researchers, in general, and young and aspiring ones in particular a quicker way to get their work published and gain exposure through online open access. We pride ourselves on getting submitted work to be published quickly, through the use of our worldwide pool of subject specialist peer reviewers. Find out more about ESSD International Journal here.

The Academic Research Community Publication (ARChive)

ARChive is an open-access journal that publishes conference proceedings on a wide range of topics relating to social sciences. Consequently, it accepts original research papers on a wide spectrum of subjects. ARChive is a journal published on behalf of researchers that perpetually make an effort to contribute to their fields and provide them with high visibility of research submitted. The series publishes, both, theoretical and experimental high-quality papers of current and perpetual interest. It serves to cultivate, propagate, and essentially archive academic research that has been authored and submitted for academic conferences.

Find out more about ARChive International Journal here.

Proceedings of Science and Technology (Resourceedings)

Resourceedings is an open access journal that publishes conference proceedings. Conference proceedings compromise of different disciplines, ranging from Engineering including built environments, architecture, and sustainability. Disciplines also include Technology and Energy. Resourceedings is a journal that publishes research articles that shed light on different crucial issues in order to provide them with solutions and suggestions. The journal publishes articles submitted by researchers of interest in different fields.

Find out more about Resourceedings International Journal here.

BAHETH International Journal – Arabian Researchers Database (Arabic Papers only)

“BAHETH” in Architecture, Engineering, and Technology, is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original academic research in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, and Technology. The journal welcomes research in the Arabic Language with an English Abstract. Papers submitted to this journal in Arabic must be presented in the English Language in the conference.

Find out more about BAHETH International Journal here.

IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, based on the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.

Authors must refer to, and abide by, the following instructions in submitting their abstracts/ papers:

Step 1: Abstract Submission Process

• The author should prepare and submit an Abstract of at least 150 – 300 words through the website.
• The abstract should be concise and clearly state the proposed research study’s purpose, results, and conclusions.
• The author should select the most relevant topic for the paper from the corresponding conference topics.
• The author can use/download an Abstract Writing Template prior to submission
• To submit your abstract, you first need to (1) click on the “Register” button on the conference page, (2) click on “Submit Now” and:
  • Select the Topic in which you are making the submission
  • Insert the title of your study in the “Paper Title” section
  • Insert the full abstract in the “Abstract” section/upload a file in the .pdf, .doc, .docm, or .docx format
  • Add in writing 3 – 5 keywords that define the field, subfield, topic, and research area covered by the article to help other researchers understand and find your work.
  • Provide the names, affiliations, and E-mails of all authors/ co-authors involved
  • Confirm your submission by ticking having read the instructions and “submit Abstract”

Step 2.1: Abstract Acceptance

• After acceptance of your abstract of at least (150 – 300 words), you will receive a proforma invoice and specific instructions to complete the payment online or by bank transfer (See Conference Fees) to confirm your participation,
• Once your abstract has been accepted, please refer to the important dates tab and carefully review the announced dates to avoid late payment, as late payment comes at an extra charge (early bird/regular/late).
• After successfully completing payment, you will be issued upon request with the following:
  • A signed/ stamped abstract acceptance letter
  • Please note that acceptance of participation, abstract submission, and extended abstract/short paper submissions all have different deadlines. To stay up to date and avoid paying extra fees, or delaying your paper, please carefully review the important dates tab.
  • Receipt of Payment/ Payment Invoice
  • Visa Invitation Letter, if needed
• After abstract acceptance, you may be given the option to extend the abstract to publish your work in the conference proceedings in ASTI published by Springer Nature (indexed in Scopus/SCImago) (optional not obligatory).

  This is not a prerequisite for presenting your work at the conference. Meaning, you can present your submitted abstract without intending to publish your work.

Step 2.2: Abstract Extension / Short Paper (Optional)

• Your short paper / extended abstract should be 4 – 6 pages long and submitted before the paper submission deadline, in English, and fit within one of the conference topics.
• The Extended abstract i.e., the short paper should follow the research paper structure as follows: Abstract (+keywords), Introduction, problem statement, and study aim, Review of the Literature, Methodology, results and conclusion/ discussion, References list using the Paper Writing Template.
• The submission (short paper i.e. extended abstract) should be made following the same procedure followed for the abstract or sent to the conference email.
• Here: Authors may need more pages than the allotted maximum of 6 to insert figures, tables, appendixes, etc. In this case, they can submit regular papers (max. 12 pages) with the same fixed fee. For a detailed outline of the fees, please refer to the payment table in the conference fees tab.
• The conference does welcome Arabic submissions (with abstracts written in the english language), which will only be considered for publication in BAHETH by IEREK Press.

Step 3: Rigorous Peer Review Process (double-blind)

This process can only be initiated after payment completion and confirmation:

• If submitted, the extension (short paper) will be preliminarily checked (iThenticate plagiarism/ similarity screening Software, readability, and scope) and it will be peer-reviewed. If similarity issues are detected, the following will apply:
  • % from all sources: 10-15%
  • % from one source: 3-5%
  • Higher than 30% (all sources): Reject completely
  • Lower than 30% (all sources): Ask for revision to decrease the similarities
• IEREK has an unyielding policy regarding plagiarism. We believe that copying/ taking the ideas and work of other Authors without permission and credit is fraudulent. The Reviewing committee and IEREK employees have the authority to reject a paper during its reviewing process, on the basis of the paper being subjected to either minor or major plagiarism.
• Each paper/ chapter is evaluated by a minimum of two reviewers, after which a final decision by the responsible Editor is made. There is no maximum to the number of times a paper can be reviewed, depending on the quality of the submission.
• If your short paper is accepted by the Editors for publishing with comments/ requested modifications, our Editors (publishing department) will contact you once a decision is made and you will be asked to revise and correct it. After resubmission, it will be re-checked. Note: There may be more than one round of peer review and the decision rests with the editors of the title. Missed deadlines may result in complete exclusion/ rejection from the final publication.
• If your short paper is accepted for publishing without edits/ comments, the corresponding author will be contacted to provide the final version of their chapters/ papers following Springer Guidelines and sign the Springer consent-to-publish (CTP) form to authorize publication in the conference proceedings.
• A back-and-forth process: modifications will be sent back to the responsible Editor/ Series Editor and another round of evaluation conducted where needed. Participants/ Authors should regularly check their emails (Junk/ Spam folders).
• If you are not interested in publishing an extended abstract in the proceedings in ASTI by Springer Nature, please inform the conference support (swmra@ierek-scholar.org).

Step 4: Extended paper 

• After the conference, the authors of the best papers will be invited to submit an extended version of their research, 8 – 12+ pages in length, (optional) of their short papers for publishing in an edited volume to be published by Springer Nature.
• Publishing your short paper (i.e., extended abstract) in the conference proceedings does not prevent the submission of the full version for publishing consideration after the conference if the similarity percentages (SR%) in Step 3 are taken into account.

Travel to Reggio Calabria

It’s simple to get to Reggio Calabria. There are multiple ways to reach the area, whether you choose to drive, take a ship, fly, or hop on a train. The most important thing is that you arrive and make the most of all the amazing things this land has to offer. Have a fantastic Conference and trip!

By plane

The Tito Minniti Strait airport is located about 8 kilometers from the town of Reggio, near the Ravagnese district. It is served by airlines such as Alitalia, Blue Panorama, and Blue Air. To reach the city from the airport, you can use the ATAM line services or take a train from the Reggio Calabria Airport Railway Station. Another option is to fly into Lamezia Terma airport, which is 130 km away from Reggio Calabria. You can reach this airport by using the Starbus shuttles. 

By train

You can easily reach Reggio Calabria by train through the Piazza Garibaldi train station, which is well-served by national trains. From here, you can also take regional trains to reach popular tourist destinations. The train station is conveniently connected to the rest of the city through the efficient ATAM public transport system.

By ship

Reggio Calabria boasts a port that offers excellent facilities for leisure boats. This bustling harbor serves as a departure point for ships and ferries heading to the mesmerizing Aeolian Islands and charming Messina. Additionally, both the Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni ports provide convenient access to the Aeolian Islands, Messina, and even Malta, making it a convenient hub for exploring these stunning destinations.

By car

If you are traveling from the north, you can easily reach Reggio Calabria and the surrounding area by car using the A2 motorway (Autostrada del Mediterraneo). On the other hand, if you are arriving from the south, you can take the SS106 Jonica State Road (Reggio Calabria-Taranto). This state road spans 481 kilometers, passing through Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria. It provides convenient access to various tourist destinations, allowing you to avoid crowded and busy streets.

Why Italy is the ideal choice for hosting the Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED) Conference:

Italy is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse academic and professional landscape.

With its esteemed status as a global leader in responsible architecture and Landscape, Reggio Calabria has become renowned for its substantial contributions to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. It is undeniably the ideal choice for a host city.

The Landscapes Across the Mediterranean (CrossMED) conference is an excellent opportunity to enhance your resume and maintain a strong academic profile. It provides a valuable platform for scholars and students to connect with industry professionals and like-minded peers who share a passion for the subject. Additionally, it offers a golden chance for learners to stay updated with the latest developments in their field of interest.

Although students from various countries have the opportunity to attend the conference, the one held in Italy provides distinct advantages. The CrossMed conference is known for its exceptional speakers and participants, as well as its ability to showcase newly discovered areas within the field. Therefore, it is highly recommended to attend this conference as it offers valuable insights that should not be missed.

Attending the conference allows you to explore Reggio Calabria, the city where the conference is taking place, and immerse yourself in its rich culture and meet its welcoming people. As part of our support, IEREK provides a curated list of amazing places you can visit in Reggio Calabria. Discover these great recommendations here.

Benefits of attending

 IEREK Conference will help you:

1. Open Discussions: We bring together leading academic scientists, from different universities and countries, to exchange and share their experiences and research results.

2. Internationally Accredited Certificate: The participants are granted internationally recognized certificates acknowledged by IEREK, the University, and Partnering Organizations.

3. Publication: Selected high-quality manuscripts will be published, after peer review, in the Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation (ASTI) book series by Springer or by IEREK Press Journals, both of which are indexed in world-renowned databases.

4. Research Technologies: Conferences can expand your resources by providing a great opportunity to promote gathered information on new technologies related to your research.

5. Networking: You can engage with industry experts to discuss with them the very latest research projects they could be working on and increase your chances of collaboration in future projects.

6. Academic Reputation: Attending many conferences will make you a known figure in academic circles and an active member of the academic community.

7. Conference Abstracts Material: Delegates will receive the conference Abstracts book in both hardcover and digital format on a CD. Shipping fees may apply.