The 9^th ICSE is estimated to attract between 120–170 researchers from all over the world. The costs of the conference (facilities, accommodation, transport, field excursions and part of the organizing costs) are normally covered by the registration fees for the conference delegates, although we encourage seeking funding from business entities or national or international organizations to help lower the registration fees.
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After the last conference in the wonderful heart of Borneo (Sabah, Malaysia), the ISES members voted to select Albania as the next venue for the 9th ICSE in June 2017.
Although a small country situated in the Balkans (28,750 km2), Albania has more than 10 % of ultramafic territory in its surface, being the highest percentage of all european countries. Albania, as part of the Balkan Peninsula, is a biodiversity hotspot with astonishing wild landscapes that host more than 3600 plant species (ca 4000 plant taxa) and many animal species such as large mammals (wolf, bear). Climatic conditions range from coastal typical mediterranean zones up to alpine environments in extremely short gradients. Among albanian plants, there is a lot of endemic species and ultramafic areas drive a significant part of this heritage. Albania is also rich in aquatic diversity (including endemic fish species).

Also, agromining in Europe was born in Albania on the shores of Lake Ohrid with the continuous work of the Agricultural University of Tirana. Additionally to the large ecological richness of the country, it is a must to visit the cradle of phytomining in Europe.