Table of contents:

•Norway

•Where are we going?

•On our way to Hemsedal…

•Map over the vet school

•About NVH

•Draft agenda for the general assemblies at the congress

•Itinerary

My opinion

Norway

Capital: OsloTime zone, summer: UTC+2Official language: NorwegianPopulation: 5 million Norway is on a large peninsula shared with Sweden in the North of Europe. In the North it also borders Finland and Russia. Most of the population are Norwegians. The indigenous Sami people traditionally inhabit the northern part of Norway, that along with parts of Sweden, Finland and Russia outlines an area known as Sapmi ( or Sameland ). Politically it is dominated by a widespread and continued support for the Scandinavian model, which means high taxes and high government spending to support the free schools, free healthcare, an efficient welfare system and many other benefits. Norway has become rather liberal in moral issues and thus more similar to southern neighbours like Denmark and the Netherlands. Norway ‘s primary income is the oil and gas industry in the North sea. It also has several other natural resources such as fish and minerals, and some industry.Being a member state of the European Economic Area and part of the Schengen agreement, Norway is closely connected to the EU, and integrated as full member in most economic matters, as well as in customs and immigration matters.

NatureNorway has amazing and varied scenery. Most famous are the fjords in the West of the country. Fjords are long, narrow inlets flanked on either side by tall mountains where the sea penetrates far inland. The vast majority of the land is a rocky wilderness, and thus Norway has large, completely unpopulated areas, many of which have been converted to national parks. Norway’s highest point is Galdhøpiggen ( 2.469 m ).ClimateBecause of the Gulf stream, the climate, especially along the coast, is warmer than would be expected. Summers can be moderately warm (up to 30 degrees Celsius, but usually 20-25 degrees Celsius ), even in northern areas, but only for limited periods. During summer the areas above the arctic circle have the midnight sun (it never sets), but during winter the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon at all. In Oslo there will be around 20 hours of daylight during summer. The temperature and weather changes quickly, and you always have to be prepared for rain. In periods of rain the temperature may fall down to 5-10 degrees Celsius, even during summer. But as Norwegians say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!”LanguageThere is no standard spoken Norwegian, and a wide range of dialects exists. The language is very close to the other two Scandinavian languages, Danish and Swedish. Sami is a minority language.PeopleNorwegians are generally open-minded and tolerant and there are few, if any, do’s and don’t’s, that people need to keep in mind. Many can be mistaken as rude and unwelcoming, due to the fact that Norwegians don’t do smalltalk very much. The language is very straightforward and they rarely use polite pronouns. Norwegians usually address each other by first name only (even teachers and professors). Showing up late for meetings is considered rude, as is talking loud, being too personal with strangers and losing your temper.When you enter a Norwegian home – take off your shoes!

OSLO

Oslo is the biggest city in Norway ( approximately 600.000 citizens ) and also the capitol. It was founded as a city around year 1000 and from 1624-1925 its name was Christiania. The city is surrounded by hills and green areas and it’s quick and easy for the inhabitants to go out hiking and skiing. The parliament and the royal family are situated here. It is known for being the most expensive city in the world.

VIGELANDSPARKEN

The Vigeland Park is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, and is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions. The park is open to visitors all year round. The unique sculpture park is Gustav Vigeland’s lifework with more than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Vigeland was also in charge of the design and architectural layout of the park. The Vigeland Park was mainly completed between 1939 and 1949. On the highest point of the park, on the Monolith Plateau, rise circular stairs towards the Monolith. The figural part, with 121 figures, is 14.12 m and the total height, including the plinth, is 17.3 m high. The Monolith was carved from one single granite block, hence the name (mono: one, litho: stone). Whereas the melancholy theme in the fountain is the eternal life cyrcle. The 100 m long and 15 m wide bridge, lined with lanterns and sculptures on the granite parapets, is built on top of an old bridge constructed in 1914. Vigeland designed the new bridge and modelled in the years 1925 to 1933 the 58 sculptures in bronze. These include a rich variety of children, women and men in different ages, some alone, others in groups. Dominant motifs are the relationships between man and woman, adults and children. Stationary figures that flank the cube formed lanterns alternate with dynamic groups. By the run of the waterfall the bridge widens to each side and is marked with figures surrounded by massive bronze wheels. Here you also find Sinnataggen, the little Angry Boy.

THE FOLK MUSEUM

The Norsk Folkmuseum is Norway’s largest museum of cultural history. With collections from around the country, the museum shows how people lived in Norway from 1500 to the present. The more than 150 buildings in the Open-Air Museum represent different regions in Norway, different time periods, as well as differences between town and country, and social classes. The Gol Stave Church dating from 1200 is one of five medieval buildings at the museum. During summer, there are different activities at the museum every day. Most Sundays, are being featured special program events. In the Open-Air Museum, many buildings are open, and a host in traditional folk dress welcomes you.

THE OPERA HOUSE

After the opening in 2008, Oslo Opera House soon became a landmark. Designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, the spectacular building houses The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet. With three stages and state-of-the-art equipment the building makes possible a broad repertoire, a variety of performances and productions. As the first opera house in the world to let visitors walk on the roof, Oslo Opera House also has become a major tourist attraction.

THE VIKING SHIPS

At the viking ship museum there are 3 well preserved ships from the viking age (year 800-1200) : Oseberg, Gokstad and Tune. The ships were found in 1904, 1880 and 1867. The burial mounds in which they were found were formed of blue clay and densely-packed turf. This helped to keep the wood moist and maintained an air-free environment, explaining why these funds were preserved. The Tune ship and the Gokstad ship were in relatively good condition, although they were not complete. The Oseberg ship, on the other hand, had broken into around 1000 pieces and had to be reconstructed.

HOLMENKOLLEN SKI JUMP’

Holmenkollen has hosted the Holmenkollen Ski Festival since 1892. Holmenkollen is one of three normal and large hill national arenas for ski jumping and Nordic skiing. The hill is the most popular tourist attraction in Norway, and has roughly one milion visitors each year. Holmenkollbakken is co-located with Holmenkollen Ski Museum, which presents the history of skiing. Transport is based on that no spectators will use private cars to the venue. Instead, all spectators must use the Holmenkollen Line of the Oslo Metro. Between 2008 and 2010, the entire structure was demolished and rebuilt.

LANGEDRAG MOUNTAIN FARM AND WILDLIFEPARK

The mountain farm lies around 1.000 metres above sea level. The construction of the farm started in 1987 to realise the family Thorson’s dream of a sanctuary for animals, birds and people. Langedrag lies like a fairy-tale castle in beautiful surroundings, with magnificent views of the lakes and mountains between Hallingdal and Numedal. From their website: “We want the farm to be at one with nature as far as possible. With a great deal of respect for nature’s own selection over millions of years, here at Langerdrag we have tried to conserve the most natural and primitive breeds of each kind of animal. Examples of this are the Norwegian fjordponies, the goats, the mouflon sheep, the highland cattle and pigeons. They all have markings and colours which nature has given them in the competition for survival. On the farm there are about 22 different kinds of animals and birds with around 250 in total. On the farm, both young and old can wander around and experience the pleasures of petting our numerous domestic animals. Whilst in the nature park, you can encounter rare, wild animals such as wolves, lynx, and polarfox. Norwegian wild animals live and graze in close proximity to the farm. “Respect for life” is out heart-felt philosophy.”

HUSO FAIRYTALE LAND

“Huso Fairytale Land is 900 metres above sea level with stunning views over the Hemsedal mountains. There are more than 20 buildings, from a Viking chieftain’s house to a yrad typical of Hallingdal in the 19th century with Swiss peasant-style guesthouse, plus modern apartments and cabins.” “At Huso your accommodation is in eco-friendly houses, sited in natural harmony with the environment and local wildlife. The log cabin with its cosy open fireplace and the chance to get close to Mother Nature does wonders for body and soul. Huso has 9 cabins of various sizes, most of which has saunas.”

HARDANGER, UNDREDAL AND FLÅM

Hardanger is a traditional district in the western part of Norway, dominated by the Hardangerfjord. The region is one of Norway’s most important sources of fruit and constitues approximately 40% of the national fruit production. Hardanger is known for dramatic landscapes with waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, and fjords. There are lots of outdoor activities in the area. During the blooming season the area attracts people from all over the world. Flåm: “…is situated in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the 204 km long and up to 1308 m deep Sognefjord. Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flåm is a paradise for everyone looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with nature.”

HARDANGER AKVASENTER

Hardanger akvasenter is the first exhibition facility for Norwegian fish farming. Follow the journey of the salmon from smolt to top restaurants in Paris or Tokyo. The visitors can watch the salmons via underwater cameras and walk on the farm to experience the salmon live.

MAP OVER THE VET SCHOOL

ABOUT NVH(Norges Veterinærhøgskole/ Norwegian School of Veterinary Science)

The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NVH) was founded in 1935 and the first class of students was registered in 1936. It was, and still is, the only vet school in Norway. The first class consisted of 15 students, who were all men. Not before 1949 was the first woman registered. In 1994 the school went from being a vet school to becoming a school of veterinary science as the first 15 animal nurses were registered. In 2006 they decided to raise the number of students and accept 30 animal nurse students and 70 vet students, and this is how it is today. In 2010 the school got its first female principal named Yngvil Wasteson. NVH is a state owned, autonomous institution of higher education, with university level status. The school has a student body of 470, including 80 doctoral students. NVH has four academic departments, all involved in teaching and research:•Department of Basic Sciences & Aquatic Medicine•Department of Food Safety & Infection Biology•Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences•Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences The main campus is based in Oslo, and the Sections for Arctic Veterinary Medicine and Small Ruminants are based, respectively, in Tromsø above the arctic cyrcle, and Sadnes in the South West of the country. The school is like a small city in the city, most people don’t even know where it is situated, even though it is a 10 minute walk from the University of Oslo. People might have noticed that there are animals around, maybe they’ve heard some horses or cows, or maybe they’ve seen the school’s horses in the garden. At the moment the school is in the middle of a big moving project since it has been decided that the school is being moved outside the city. We’re becoming a part of the new university in Ås – The Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

IVSA Matters

IVSA Structure

Executive Committee and Trustees

President – 2 trusteesTreasurer – 1 trustee Information Officer – the same trustee as the TreasurerInformation Technology Officer – 1 trusteePublication Officer – 1 trusteeChief Exchange Officer – 2 trusteesDevelopment Fund Officer – 2 trusteesSecretary – 1 trustee

Draft agenda for the general assemblies at the congress

GA1

Steering meetingCertification of delegatesElection of ParliamentarianRoll callElection of ChairpersonAppointment of SecretaryElection of Auditor of Minutes

Approval of the agenda

Minutes of the 60th IVSA Symposium in SerbiaNominations and selection of Election Committee membersNominations for Officer and Trustee positionsReports max 45 min: Officers and Trustees, Standing Committees, The 60th Symposium Financial reportPresentation of the Draft version of the new Constitution – Constitution Committee

GA 2

Roll call and starting up maxElection of Chairperson

Matters arising from the Reports, confirmation of the 60th symposium financial report

Matters arising from the Minutes of the 60th IVSA Symposium in Serbia + approval

Nominations for Officer and Trustee positions

Nominations for Symposia and Congresses: 62nd Symposium to be held in December 2013 – January 2014, 63rd Congress to be held in June – July 2014

Discussion of the draft version of the new Constitution - CC

GA 3

Roll call and starting upElection of Chairperson

Nominations for Officer and Trustee positionsNominations for Symposia and Congresses: 62nd Symposium to be held in December 2013 – January 2014, 63rd Congress to be held in June – July 2014Approval of the new Constitution – CC

IVSA informative presentations: The Development Fund, The Scholarship Fund, Becoming a supportive or other member of IVSAIVSA informative presentations: Local Chapter presentationsApplications for IVSA Membership: New Chapter presentation

Nominee presentations officer positionsNominee hello in own language, position running for, presentations on paper onlyPosting of nominee information papers ( 1 page ) on election board

GA 4

Roll call and starting upElection of Chairperson

Partner presentationsQuestion and Answer sessionVoting: Voting for new officers, Voting for new trusteesNominations for Symposia and Congresses: 62nd Symposium to be held in December 2013 – January 2014, 63rd Congress to be held in June – July 2014

GA 5

Roll call and starting upElection of ChairpersonTop EO/Top Exchange WinnersVoting: Voting for new members, Voting for 62nd Symposium host61st Symposium request, IVSA South Africa62nd Congress presentation, IVSA Utrecht, The NetherlandsAdditions to the AgendaClosing of the meeting

ITINERARY

Sunday 15. July – DAY 1 – Let the fun begin!

All day Arrivals and registration Orientation and short tour around campus 19:00 Welcoming barbeque

Monday 16. July – DAY 2

06:30-07:00 Wake-up call07:00-08:00 Breakfast in the cafeteria08:15-10:00 Welcome ceremony ( Festsalen, main building, see map) Clothing: Nice10:00-10:15 Snack10:15-11:00 Lecture: Animal welfare11:15-12:00 Lecture: Fish for dummies12:00-13:00 Lunch in cafeteria13:00-14:00 Deciding workshops and activities in Hemsedal + payment for the activities and post-congress14:00-15:00 Lecture: Fish farming for dummies15:30-16:15 Lecture: Pharmaq – The value of fish vaccination16:30-17:30 Lecture: T.Pogge – Patents18:00-19:00 Dinner in cafeteria19:00-22:00 Quiz/Game night in Bodega, stand-up + competition about wolf and lynx visit

Tuesday 17. July – DAY 3

06:30-07:00 Wake-up call07:00-08:00 Breakfast in cafeteria08:00-10:00 Lecture: Animal welfare10:00-10:15 Snack10:15-11:00 Lecture: E.Skjerve – Feeding the World in the Future11:15-12:00 Lecture: C.A. Grøntvedt – Animal welfare in swine production12:00-12:30 Lunch in cafeteria15:10-16:00 Lecture: H. Sørum – The use of antibiotics and animal welfare16:30-18:30 GA 119:00 International stands and preparations for Cultural Evening20:00 Cultural evening

Wednesday 18. July – DAY 4

05:30 Wake-up call06:15 Departure to Langedrag National Park. Breakfast on bus10:45 Arrival at Langedrag11:00 Tour of Langedrag with guide12:30-13:30 Lunch at Langedrag 13:30-17:00 Langedrag ( with visit to the wolves and lynxes )17:30 Departure to Eventyrgarden at Hemsedal Mountains20:00 Dinner at Eventyrgarden21:00 Cabin fun/party

Thursday 19. July – DAY 5

06:30-07:00 Wake-up call07:00-08:00 Breakfast in cabins at Eventyrgarden08:00-10:00 GA 210:00-10:15 Snack10:30-11:30 Lecture: S.Stuen – Welfare small ruminants11:30-12:30 Lunch13:00-18:00 Activities day 119:00-20:00 Dinner at Eventyrgarden

Friday 20. July – DAY 6

05:30-06:00 Wake-up call06:00 Departure and breakfast in buses Departure to Hardanger Akvasenter and Undredal/Aurlandsdalen/Flåm Clothing: casual/practical19:00 Dinner – viking party Clothing: casual/nice

Saturday 21. July – DAY 7

06:30-07:00 Wake-up call07:00-08:00 Breakfast + choosing IVSA workshops08:15-10:00 GA 310:00-10:15 Snack10:15-12:00 IVSA workshops12:00-13:00 Lunch13:00-18:00 Activities day 219:00 Dinner at Eventyrgarden Talentshow/Norwegian games/party

Sunday 22. July – DAY 8

06:45-07:00 Wake-up call07:15-08:00 Breakfast08:15-10:15 Clean cabins11:00 Departure from Eventyrgarden to Oslo. Lunch on bus16:00 Arrival NVH17:00-18:30 Pizza in cafeteria20:00 Memorial concert terrorist attack 2011

Monday 23. July – DAY 9

06:30-07:00 Wake-up call07:00-08:00 Breakfast + bring lunch bags08:15-10:15 GA 410:30 Divide into groups: Sightseeing in Oslo17:00 Meet up for BBQ in Vigelandsparken19:30-23:00 Development Fund Auctions: Live and Silent

Tuesday 24. July – DAY 10

07:30-08:00 Wake-up call08:00-09:00 Breakfast09:15-10:00 Lecture: I.Mayer – Can fish feel pain?10:15-11:00 Lecture: I.Mayer – Fish reproduction11:00-12:00 Lunch in cafeteria12:15-13:00 Free time13:15-14:00 “Helping people helping animals” – TOLFA14:00-14:15 Snack14:15-18:00 Workshops18:00-20:00 Preparations for Formal Dinner20:00-23:00 Formal Dinner Clothing: Nice/Formal

Wednesday 25. July – DAY 11

07:30-08:00 Wake-up call08:00-09:00 Breakfast09:15-11:00 Lecture: T.Poppe – Fish farming in Norway11:00-12:00 Lunch12:15-13:00 Lecture: A.Smith – Alternatives to animal testing13:15-15:00 EO-meeting15:30-18:00 GA 519:00-20:00 Dinner20:00-23:00 Movie night

Thursday 26. July – DAY 12

07:30-08:00 Wake-up call08:00-09:00 Breakfast09:15-10:00 Lecture: Sponsor10:15-11:00 Lecture: Ø. Evensen – Fish farming in the world11:00-11:15 Snack11:15-12:00 Lecture: Ø. Evensen – New discoveries in the fish world12:15-13:00 Lunch14:15-16:00 Lecture: Mads Gilbert – How vets can help animals and humans in war zones and catastrophe areas16:00-18:00 Preparation for goodbye-dinner and packing18:00-19:00 Goodbye-dinner in cafeteria19:00-23:00 T-shirt night

Friday 27. July – DAY 13

09:00-10:00 BreakfastAll day Departure of the delegates and departure to post-congress

My opinion