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Colombia Chapter
of the
Society of Wetland Scientists
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About us
ABOUT US
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A petition for formation of the Colombia Chapter was submitted to SWS on 2 August 2002. The Secretary-General has established
that the request is in order. The Board of SWS enthusiastically expressed support for the Colombia Chapter petition at the mid-year
board meeting in February 2003. All that remains to make it official is the vote of the membership at the 2003 business meeting in
New Orleans for the formal establishment of the SWS Colombia Chapter. SWS Colombia is the first chapter in Latin America.
The territory of Colombia encompasses approximately 1,038,700 sq km (slightly less than three times the size of Montana, USA).
It is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Nearly æ of Colombiaâs national
territory is comprised of the Amazonian region, which is described as a vast complex of wetlands. Colombia contains approximately
202.525 sq km of wetlands divided in 27 different eco-regions. The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta (4,000 sq km within the Magdalena
River Estuarine System) and the Laguna de la Cocha (390 sq km) have been designated as wetlands of international importance through
the Ramsar Convention.
The Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta (Ramsar site no. 951) is a coastal estuarine system with 20 lagoons of varying salinity, with
several rivers running through the area and extensive zones of mangroves. The site is important for its mangrove ecosystem, which
is the largest on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. The La Cocha Lagoon (Ramsar site no. 1047) is largely made up of a volcanic lake
and the surrounding highland Andean peatlands and forest, the site support a diverse range of associated flora and fauna.
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In accordance with Article II, Section 3 of SWS Colombia Bylaws and Standing Rules, members joining
during the period ending on December 31, 2002 shall be considered as a "Founder Member SWS Colombia".
SWS Colombia has 27 Founder Members.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
GERMAN ANDRADE
Fundacion Humedales
Calle 97 # 21-42
Bogota, Colombia
Phone: 57-1-6164777
Fax: 57-1-6164777
email: andradeg@hotmail.com
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Executive Vice-President
Program Vice-President
GINA CARDENAS TORRES
Biosistemas
Tr. 19 # 114-48
Bogota, Colombia
Phone: 57-1- 2138288 / 2155546
Fax: 57-1- 6193847
email: biosistemas@hotmail.com
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Delegate to SWS Board
ORLANDO E. RIVERA PWS
Environmetal Administrator Mandatory Phosphate Section
Division of Water Resource Management
Bureau of Mine Reclamation
2051 East Dirac Driver, Tallahassee, Fl. USA 32310-3760
Phone: 850- 4888217
Fax: 850- 4881254
email: Orlando.Rivera@dep.state.fl.us
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Treasurer
CARLOS E. MORA
Cr. 7 # 17-01 Of. 813
Bogota, Colombia
Phone: 57-1- 2848601
Fax: 57-1- 2848601
email: carlosmoraa@hotmail.com
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Newsletter Editor/Secretay
FAGUA ALVAREZ
Cl. 99A # 57-75
Bogota, Colombia
Phone: 57-1- 2535608
email: faguis@yahoo.es
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Members 2002
BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES
ARTICLE I:
Names and Objectives
1. The name of the group shall be the COLOMBIA CHAPTER OF THE SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS, hereinafter referred to as the SWS Colombia. The SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTISTS in general will be referred to as the SWS.
2. The principal office for the transaction of the business of the SWS Colombia is hereby located at the address of the current President. The SWS Colombia by resolution of its Board of Directors may change the location of its principal office to any other place within Colombia. Whenever this location changes, the new location will be announced on the Society of Wetland Scientist website.
3. The objectives are as follows:
a. The general purposes of the SWS Colombia are to operate solely and exclusively as a non-profit and educational organization to foster conservation, restoration, and understanding of wetlands.
b. Advance public education and enlightenment concerning the Colombia's wetland resources.
c. Provide an independent forum for an interchange of ideas and data developed within wetland science in Colombia.
d. Develop and encourage wetland science as a distinct discipline by supporting student education, curriculum development, and research in Colombia.
e. Encourage and evaluate the educational, scientific, and technological development and advancement of all branches of wetland science and practice with a focus on Colombia wetlands and issues.
f. Encourage the knowledgeable management of wetland resources of Colombia.
g. Promote formal partnerships between SWS Colombia and other wetland organizations in South America to promote international coordination and collaboration.
4. For the administration of the affairs and the attainment its objectives, the SWS Colombia shall have the power, either directly or indirectly, either alone or in conjunction or cooperation with others, to do any and all lawful activities that may be necessary, useful, suitable, desirable, or proper for the furtherance, accomplishment, fostering, or attainment of any or all of the objectives for which the SWS Colombia is organized, and to aid and assist other organizations whose objectives are such as to further accomplish, foster, or attain any of such objectives.
5. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the SWS Colombia shall neither have nor exercise any power, nor shall it directly or indirectly engage in any activity that would: (1) prevent the SWS from obtaining exemption from United States of America Federal income taxation as a corporation as described in Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 and its regulations as the same now exist or as they may hereafter be amended from time to time, or (2) cause it to lose such exempt status.
ARTICLE II:
Membership
1. Membership in the SWS Colombia will be the same as for the SWS as follows:
a. Active Members: Persons involved in the study, management, or regulation of wetlands; and in any other appropriate wetland activity, including research and educational endeavors.
b. Student Members: Persons involved in full-time academic training toward any appropriate wetland endeavor.
c. Institutional/Corporate Members: Any institution, government agency or corporate organization with interest in the SWS and the furtherance of its objectives may become an Institutional/Corporate member, but shall not be eligible to vote.
d. Library Members: Institutional libraries such as those at colleges, universities, and agencies shall be eligible to join as library members but shall not be eligible to vote.
e. Family Members: Two members of a family may be SWS members with full, active member privileges, but shall receive a limited set of publications (usually only one copy per issue of the SWS's journal, Wetlands).
f. Lifetime Members: Members joining for the rest of their lives will receive full active memberâs privileges.
g. Emeritus Members: An individual who has retired and who is at least 65 years old with 10 years membership in the Society may become an emeritus member.
2. As used in the Bylaws and Standing Rules, the term "member in good standing" means a member whose dues are paid.
3. Members joining during the period ending on December 31, 2002 shall be considered as a ãFounder Member SWS Colombiaä.
ARTICLE III:
Officers and Board of Directors
1. The Officers of the SWS Colombia shall be President, Executive Vice-President, Program Vice President, Delegate to SWS Board, Newsletter Editor/Secretary, and Treasurer who are elected by the members; and the Immediate Past President. These six officers constitute the Board of Directors of the SWS Colombia who shall have the authority to meet in closed session. The Newsletter Editor/Secretary-elect and/or Treasurer-elect may meet with the Board of Directors but are not members of the Board of Directors of the SWS Colombia.
2. Only Active Members in good standing who have attended at least one of three SWS Colombia meetings preceding their nomination shall be eligible for nomination for an elected office.
3. Terms
a. The President shall serve only one term in office for a period of one year or until the next annual meeting, but not beyond June 30 and upon the termination of that office shall become immediate Past President.
b. The Executive Vice-President and Program Vice President, shall serve for a period of one year or until the next annual meeting, but not beyond June 30. The Executive Vice President shall automatically be nominated for President for the year following his or her term as Vice-President. Other nominations may also be made.
c. The Newsletter Editor/Secretary shall serve for a period of three years, but not beyond June 30 of the third year of the 3-year term. A Newsletter Editor/Secretary-elect will be elected one year prior to termination of the term of a standing Newsletter Editor/Secretary. If the Standing Newsletter Editor/Secretary is nominated for this election and wins, there shall be no Newsletter Editor/Secretary-elect as the Standing Newsletter Editor/Secretary will fill this position.
d. The Treasurer shall serve for a period of three years, but not beyond June 30 of the third year of the 3-year term. A Treasurer-elect will be elected one year prior to termination of the term of a standing Treasurer. If the Standing Treasurer is nominated for this election and wins, there shall be no Treasurer-elect as the Standing Treasurer will fill this position.
e. The Delegate to SWS Board shall serve for a period of two years, but not beyond June 30 of the second year of the 2-year term.
f. In the event of cancellation of an annual meeting, the officers of the SWS Colombia and the members of any standing or special committee shall continue to serve and be responsible for the Bylaws until new elections and an annual meeting are held.
g. If an officer cannot fulfill or complete the term of office, the Board of Directors is authorized to appoint a replacement until the next election.
4. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Officers. Any number of Directors attending a called meeting of the Board of Directors constitutes a quorum. The Board of Directors is authorized to conduct business and hold meetings at its discretion. The Board of Directors may conduct business or hold meetings electronically or using conference telephone equipment or any other technology that allows everyone to exchange ideas.
ARTICLE IV:
Meeting and Voting
1. The SWS Colombia shall meet once a year at a place to be determined by the board of directors.
2. After notifying all of the members, the Board of Directors may cancel an annual meeting or change the place of an annual meeting or order a Special Meeting. If a meeting is canceled, the Board of Directors shall schedule the next annual meeting.
3. A quorum for the transaction of official business at a SWS Colombia meeting shall consist of any number of voting members present.
4. A motion to amend the Bylaws or to establish or dissolve the SWS Colombia shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting. Voting will be conducted either electronically or by mail.
5. The Newsletter Editor/Secretary shall certify the voting eligibility of members. Only those who are both Active Members of the Society of Wetland Scientists and members of the SWS Colombia in good standing shall be eligible to vote.
6. A summary of all business conducted at a SWS Colombia meeting will be distributed to SWS Colombia members.
ARTICLE V:
Adoption of Standing Rules
1. The Board of Directors is authorized to adopt and amend Standing Rules necessary for conduct of SWS Colombia business by a majority vote.
2. The Standing Rules must include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
a. Matters pertaining to SWS Colombia finances.
b. Prescribed duties of SWS Colombia officers.
c. Provisions for the establishment, duties, and method of selection of standing committees and other committees necessary to conduct the business of the SWS Colombia.
d. Authorization for the specified publications of the SWS Colombia for the furtherance of its objectives.
ARTICLE VI:
Amendment of Bylaws
1. The Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members in good standing who attend an annual meeting and vote on the amendment. Voting may be conducted via electronic mail, phone, fax, postal mail, or any other effective and suitable means of communication. Proposals for amendments may be generated in the following ways:
a. Recommendation of a majority of the voting members of the Board of Directors.
b. Petitions signed by not fewer than twenty members in good standing or 10% of the SWS Colombia membership eligible to vote whichever is fewer, and presented to the President at the annual meeting.
ARTICLE VII:
SWS Colombia Representation
1. Member of the SWS Colombia will not represent the SWS Colombia without the prior approval of the Board of Directors.
STANDING RULES
Section 1. Duties of the President
a. The President shall be responsible for the business of the SWS Colombia.
b. Make appointments authorized in the Standing Rules.
c. Establish special committees required for the business of the SWS Colombia.
d. And exercise such other responsibilities determined from time to time by action of the SWS Colombia or its Board of Directors.
Section 2: Duties of the Executive Vice President
a. Duties of the Executive Vice President are to assist the President.
b. Perform the duties of the President when that officer is absent or unable to act.
c. Assist the treasurer in drafting an annual budget.
Section 3. Duties of the Program Vice President
a. The Program Vice President shall oversee meetings, workshops, and field trips sponsored by the SWS Colombia.
b. The Program Vice President has the authority to nominate other SWS Colombia members to provide assistance in organizing SWS Colombia sponsored events.
Section 4. Duties of the Delegate to SWS Board
a. Duties of the Delegate to SWS Board are to represent the SWS Colombia during the SWS Board of Directors meetings including the SWS annual meeting when the President or Executive Vice President is absent or unable to act as a member of the SWS Board.
b. Serves as a liaison between the SWS Colombia and other SWS chapters.
c. And, Serves as a liaison between the SWS Colombia and the SWS in pursuing the establishment of new SWS chapters in Latin America. The duties of the Delegate to SWS Board shall be performed in consultation with the SWS Colombia Board of Directors.
Section 5. Duties of the Newsletter Editor/Secretary
a. Record and read minutes of the annual meeting of the SWS Colombia and all called meetings of the Board of Directors. Distribute minutes to Board members and webmaster; minutes shall be made available on the SWS website.
b. Certify eligibility of members prior to any vote
c. Prepare and mail correspondence at the direction of Executive Board
d. Maintain a file of correspondence and records of SWS Colombia business.
e. Maintain and update copies of the Bylaws and Standing Rules.
f. Prepare the camera ready copy of the SWS Colombia's quarterly newsletter
g. Serve as membership data base manager
h. Prepare and disburse information pertinent to increasing membership.
i. Oversee development, procurement, and distribution of SWS and SWS Colombia stationary.
Section 6. Duties of the Newsletter Editor/Secretary-elect
a. Work closely with the Newsletter Editor/Secretary on SWS Colombia affairs in order to be prepared to occupy the position at the end of the Newsletter Editor/Secretaryâs term in office.
b. Fulfill the term of Newsletter Editor/Secretary should that individual not be able to continue in office.
Section 7. Duties of the Treasurer
a. Administer the financial resources of the SWS Colombia.
b. Pay all bills of the SWS Colombia as authorized by the President or the Board of Directors.
c. Serve as Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee.
d. Prepare an annual budget in cooperation with the President and present it at the annual meeting of the SWS.
Section 8. Duties of the Treasurer-elect
a. Work closely with the Treasurer on SWS Colombia financial affairs in order to be prepared to occupy the position at the end of the Treasurerâs term in office.
b. Fulfill the term of Treasurer should that individual not be able to continue in office.
Section 9. Duties of the Past President
a. The immediate Past President chairs the Nominating Committee and Bylaws Committee.
b. And serves as Parliamentarian at meetings.
Section 10. Salaries and Expenses
a. Officers and Directors of the SWS Colombia shall not receive any salary or clerical or other expenses unless approved by the Board of Directors in advance.
b. Travel expenses to attend Board meetings may be authorized by the Board of Directors as requested on a case by case basis.
Section 11. Dues and Fees
a. Dues for membership in the SWS Colombia will be paid to the Society of Wetland Scientists, and will be transferred to the SWS Colombia as per the standing rules of SWS.
b. The cycle for membership in good standing will be on a calendar basis, extending from January 1 to December 31. This term coincides with the fiscal year of the SWS Colombia of The Society of Wetland Scientists.
Section 12. Standing Committees
The President in consultation with the Board of Directors shall appoint standing Committees, composed of SWS Colombia members in good standing. Standing committees shall assist the President and Board of Directors in the conduct of the affairs of the SWS Colombia. The Chairperson of each standing committee shall report at the annual meeting of the SWS Colombia. The term of duty for members of standing committees shall extend from their appointment to the end of the following annual meeting, unless otherwise specified.
a. Ways and Means Committee
The committee shall be responsible for preparing an annual budget for the SWS Colombia. The Committee shall be chaired by the Treasurer and will also include the Executive Vice President and Program Vice President.
b. Conference Committee
The Committee shall be responsible for making arrangements for the annual meeting, including but not limited to:
1) the content of the program
2) meeting and lodging site(s),
3) banquet and refreshments, and
4) field trips.
The committee shall consist of a minimum of three SWS Colombia members and will be chaired by the Program Vice President. The President will approve committee members.
c. Nomination Committee
The Committee shall be responsible for recommending the names of candidates for elected offices. The immediate Past President shall serve as Chairperson. Nominations for officers are to be solicited from the membership through the Newsletter Editor and sent to the Immediate Past President.
d. Archives Committee
This committee shall be responsible for developing criteria for determining what types of SWS Colombia materials and records will be archived, how and where they will be stored and accessed, and the longevity of various materials in the archives. The committee is composed of the Board of Directors and will be chaired by the Treasurer.
e. Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee
This committee shall consist of the Board of Directors and will be chaired by the immediate Past President and serves as the SWS Colombia's official authority regarding all matters pertaining to the organization's bylaws and standing rules. This committee is responsible for insuring that the bylaws and standing rules are accurately maintained and updated.
f. Scholarship and Awards Committee
This committee shall be responsible for obtaining, evaluating, and ranking wetland-related scholarships and awards. The committee will be chaired by the Executive Vice President and will recommend scholarships and awards to the Board of Directors for decision.
g. Communication Committee
The Committee shall be responsible for disseminating information regarding SWS Colombia activities, and increasing the membership of the SWS Colombia.
Section 13. Special Committees
Special Committees are appointed to assist the President and the Board of Directors with developing information, services, or programs that are generally short term and of a non- recurring nature. The Committee(s) shall report to the Board of Directors and the membership at the Annual Business Meeting. Special Committees, composed of SWS Colombia members in good standing, shall be appointed by the President in consultation with the Board of Directors at any time for a period of 2 calendar years from the date of appointment unless reauthorize by the vote of the Board.
Section 14. Order of Business
The agenda for a business session for an annual meeting of the SWS Colombia shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the following items:
a. Call to order by the President
b. Remarks by the President
c. Determination of a quorum
d. Introduction of guests and visitors
e. Reading of minutes and Newsletter Editor/Secretary's report
f. Treasurer's report
g. Reports of Standing Committees
h. Reports of Special Committees
i. Other old business
j. Installation of newly elected officers
k. New business
l. Adjournment
Section 15. Availability of Bylaws and Standing Rules.
The Bylaws and Standing Rules of the SWS Colombia will be available from the Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee upon request of any SWS Colombia member and shall be made available on the Society of Wetland Scientists website as well.
Section 16. Dissolution of the SWS Colombia
Upon dissolution of the SWS Colombia, its Executive Board shall transfer all assets, accrued income, and other properties to the Society of Wetlands Scientists parent organization with a request that said assets be held for a period of not more than five years from the date of dissolution of the SWS Colombia, for distribution to another Chapter that may be established in approximately the same geographic area within the said five-year period. If another Chapter is not established in the said area and period of time, the Society of Wetland Scientists parent organization may distribute all assets, accrued income and other properties to a Colombian charitable organization in accordance with SWS bylaws. A motion to dissolve the SWS Colombia, upon the recommendation of the SWS Board of Directors, shall require a two-thirds majority of those voting. Voting will be conducted either electronically or by mail.
Section 17. Rules of Order
The SWS Colombia will adopt Robert's Rules of Order. The Immediate Past President will serve as Parliamentarian at meetings.
PROJECTS
Work in progress; check back with us in the near future.
MEETINGS
Work in progress; check back with us in the near future.
BULLETIN
Colombian Wetland Links
Instituto Humboldt
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
WWF Colombia
UICN
Fondo FEN
Red de Desarrollo Sostenible de Colombia
CONTACT US
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Orlando E. Rivera
Environmental Administrator
Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee, Florida.
Phone: 850-413-8192 ext. 33.
Email:
Orlando.Rivera@dep.state.fl.us
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Last SWS Colombia update 17 Feb 2004.
Ricardo Andres Mora
ricardoandresmora@hotmail.com
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