Gauhati University Announces International Conference on River Heritage and Sustainable Development

GUWAHATI: Researchers and academics will have an opportunity to explore the cultural, ecological and economic importance of rivers at an upcoming international conference to be organised by Gauhati University in partnership with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Titled River Cultures, Regional Development and Sustainability, the conference is scheduled for January 27–29, 2027, at Gauhati University, with a special focus on the Brahmaputra–Barak river basin systems.

The conference will address several key issues affecting river-dependent communities, including floods, riverbank erosion, biodiversity conservation, livelihoods, traditional knowledge and sustainable regional development. The discussions will also examine the role of local communities in river management and the relationship between river ecosystems and cultural heritage.

The Centre for Brahmaputra Studies at Gauhati University and Monash University have invited scholars, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and students to submit abstracts for oral or poster presentations. Submissions may focus on Assam and the Brahmaputra–Barak basins or present relevant international and comparative perspectives.

The last date for abstract submission is December 10, 2026. Abstracts must be written in English and should not exceed 250 words, excluding the title and author details. Participants can review the submission guidelines and apply through the official conference website, https://riverscapes2027.gauhati.ac.in/.