The meeting aims at discussing El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in all aspects related to the Ocean, Atmosphere, Climate, Biology and Human Dimensions, its impact in South America and teleconnections worldwide. It is the first of a series of Alexander von Humboldt Conferences initiated by EGU, international meetings related to geophysical topics of particular importance to South America, which are jointly organized by South American and EGU experts.

The Conference will include the following main topics:

1.    The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Phenomenon                
2.    ENSO in Climate History (all time scales including Paleo-ENSO)               
3.    Recent major El Niño Events and their:    
3.1.    Impacts in South America                
3.2.    Interaction between Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and ENSO           
3.3.    Impacts on Marine Biology
3.3.1.    Impacts on Pelagic Ecosystems       
3.3.2.    Impacts on Benthic Ecosystems       
3.4. Impacts on Terrestrial Ecosystems           
4.    Teleconnections and Worldwide Impact           
5.    ENSO Prediction                       
6.    El Niño and Global Warming               
7.    Socio-Economic Aspects

These  topics will be covered in conference sessions organized as general symposia, oral presentations, poster sessions and open discussion on “Where to go from here”.

Location

The city of Guayaquil is one of the most important harbors in Latin America and it is the largest city in Ecuador. Guayaquil is the economical capital of the nation.  Ecuador is one of the few countries which produce and export vegetal ivory (tagua), balsa wood and passion fruit, and it is one of the major shrimp producers of the world. Currently, Guayaquil has around three million people. 

Accommodation

There are plenty of good hotels in walking distance to the venue, at prices ranging from US $ 45 up. Less expensive hotels are also available (please contact the Conference Secretariat). CIIFEN can provide discount rates at a couple of hotels. It is important that the participant selects the hotel.  If, desired, reservations can be done by the local Committee (send requests to CIIFEN) and they will be attended as the requests arrive, reservations can also be made directly to the hotels. If there is not enough room in a selected hotel, the reservation will be immediately changed into another hotel corresponding to the same category. If it will be necessary to change the category as well we will contact you before. It is extremely important that we have your electronic mail to contact you immediately. We will do our best to satisfy your needs. Prices quoted are valid for 2004, and some might increase around 15% for next year.  (Hotel list s. Annex)

Logistics

Participants of some countries require valid visas to enter Ecuador. Please contact the local Ecuadorean Embassy to find out if your country requires a Visa, and for the formalities to be fulfilled to obtain your visas in case they are necessary.

The international "Simon Bolivar" International Airport located in the city of Guayaquil has direct connections to all South American airports and to several US airports. For Europeans, direct flights are available from Spain and Amsterdam. Otherwise, Miami or Newark are easy transit points. Some hotels provide transportation from the airport, for others, taxi service is available right at the exit of the gate, distance from the airport to the city center (where CIIFEN is located) is about 7 km, and will cost about US $ 5.

Companions

The companions of the delegates are welcome. An official and special program for them has not been elaborated but they will be able to participate in tours and programmed visits by request.

Currencies

Most major currencies may be exchanged for local currency (US $) at local banks, however we recommend that participants bring US dollars for their personal expenses.  All major credit cards are accepted at large local establishments.

Time Zone

Local Standard Time (i.e. GMT + 7 hrs)

For further information containing all details look to our web-pages: http://www.copernicus.org/EGU/topconf/avh1/index.html
http://www.ciifen-int.org

Conference Secretariat
secretaria@ciifen-int.org
egu@copernicus.org

Annex:

Grand Hotel Guayaquil
Phone: (5934) 232-9690
Fax: (5934) 232-7251
Address: Boyaca y 10 de Agosto
E-mail: reserghg@grandhotelguayaquil.com
Group Rates: $ 53 + 22% (single), $ 58 + 22% (double)
(600 m to Conference Secretariat)  

Ramada Hotel
Phone: (5934) 256-5555
Fax: (5934) 256-3036
Address: Malecon # 806
E-mail:  info@hotelramadaecuador.com
Group Rates: $ 55 + 22% (single), $ 57 + 22% (double)
(800 m  to Conference Secretariat)

Hampton Inn Boulevard Hotel
Phone: (5934) 256-6700
Fax: (5934) 256-6427
Address:  Av. 9 de Octubre 432 y Baquerizo Moreno
E-mail: reservas@hampton.com.ec
Group Rates: $ 70 + 22% (single), $ 85 + 22% (double)
(100 m to Conference Secretariat)  

Oro Verde Hotel
Phone: (5934) 232-7999
Fax: (5934) 232-9350
Address: Av. 9 de octubre y Garcia Moreno
E-mail: reservas_gye@oroverdehotels.com
Group Rates: $ 80 + 22% (single), $ 85 + 22% (double)
(1.500 m to Conference Secretariat)

Hilton Colon Hotel
Phone: (5934) 268-9000
Fax: (5934) 268-9149
ADdress: Av. Francisco de Orellana Mz. 111 Cdla.  Kennedy Norte
E-mail: reservas@hiltonguayaquil.com
Group Rates: $ 120 + 22% (single), $ 120 + 22% (double)
(3.500 m to Conference Secretariat)

Las Penas
Phone: (5934) 232-3355
Fax: (5934) 232-3355
Address:  Escobedo 1215 y Velez Esq.
Group Rates: $ 40.5  Tax included (single), $ 45 Tax included (double) 
(50 m to Conference Secretariat)