Boundary Demarcation & Maintenance
Durham University, 14-16 September 2009
Delimitation of a boundary in a treaty is a crucial first step in boundary-making, but on its own delimitation is of limited value. For borderland populations, boundaries rarely have much meaning until they are identifiable on the ground - and it is arguable that it is only when a boundary has been physically demarcated that it can begin to function effectively.
Many of the world's international boundaries have never been made visible on the ground, and many of those that have been demarcated have subsequently become invisible due to inefficient maintenance regimes. Led by a hugely experienced team of tutors and combining classroom sessions and practical exercises, this unique workshop will assist policymakers and practitioners in developing strategies for the effective demarcation and maintenance of international boundaries in different physical and human landscapes.
Tutors
John Donaldson, Research Associate, International Boundaries Research Unit
Kyle Hipsley, Acting US Commissioner, Canada-USA International Boundary Commission
Alastair Macdonald, Former Director of Surveys & Production, Ordnance Survey, UK
Ray Milefsky, Office of the Geographer and Global Issues, United States Department of State
José Elias Mucumbo, Director of Boundaries, Mozambique National Institute of the Sea & Boundaries
Jochen Petring, Project Manager, Hansa Luftbild Consulting International, Germany
Martin Pratt, Director of Research, International Boundaries Research Unit
Programme
Monday 14 September
1) Introduction
2) Principles of boundary demarcation and maintenance
- The purpose and value of boundary demarcation
- The changing nature of boundary-making
- Demarcation options in different physical and human landscapes
- The importance of field research
- Key challenges in boundary demarcation and maintenance
3) Maps and imagery in boundary demarcation and maintenance
- The use and abuse of maps, aerial photographs and satellite imagery
- Maps and imagery as tools for boundary research and recovery
- Working with imprecise mapping
- Base maps for boundary demarcation
- Practicalities of map production
4) Practical exercise
- Participants will seek to use maps and imagery in support of a range of demarcation-related tasks.
5) Technical support for demarcation negotiations
- Tools for landscape visualisation
- Case studies
Tuesday 15 September
6) Boundary commissions
- Types of commission
- Mandate and rules of procedure
- Resolving disputes
- Communication with the public
7) Case study: Demarcation and maintenance of the Canada-USA boundary
8) Practical exercise
- Working in teams, participants will undertake a field-based survey of a fictional border landscape in preparation for boundary demarcation.
Wednesday 16 September
9) Case study: Demarcation and maintenance of the boundaries of Mozambique
10) Developing good practice in boundary demarcation and maintenance
- Demarcating river, swamp and lake boundaries
- Positional accuracy requirements
- Boundary visibility requirements
- Maximising flexibility
- Involving borderland communities in demarcation and maintenance
11) Closing discussion & wrap-up
- Defining the outer continental shelf
- The role of the Inited Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf
- Delimitation of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles
Administrative information
Cost
The cost of the workshop will be £1,495 per participant. Fees for UK-based participants are normally subject to Value Added Tax at 15%. We regret that payment can only be accepted in £ sterling. However, we are able to accept payment by major credit and debit cards. Full payment must be received prior to the workshop to guarantee the booking.
In addition to tuition and all course materials, the fee covers the following:
- Accommodation in a single en-suite room for the nights of 13-15 September.
- Evening dinner on 13-15 September.
- Breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks on 14-16 September.
Reservations
To reserve a place on the workshop, please contact Jane Hogg or use the online booking form
Venue
Workshop accommodation and teaching will be based at Collingwood College, which is part of Durham University.
Language
Teaching and workshop materials will be in English. We regret that we are unable to provide translation or interpretation services.
Cancellation
Cancellations must be received in writing not later than Friday 28 August 2009, and will be subject to a £50 cancellation fee unless a substitute participant is offered. After this date the full registration fee will apply. Substitutions for registered participants may be made at any time, but we would appreciate prior notification.
Programme changes
IBRU reserves the right to modify the programme as necessary, without notice to participants.
Travel to Durham
Full details of the venue, plus maps and travel information will be sent to all participants following registration. Online maps and travel information can be found here.