Biodiversity is quite simply the variety of life on Earth, and as such is a profoundly important component of sustainability. Biodiversity has strong feedback links to other aspects of sustainability including: adaptation to climate change and limitation of its effects; effective water management; creation and maintenance of resilient communities; and enhancement of public health.
ICLEI is aware that good biodiversity management has a variety of ecological, social and economic benefits. This awareness led to the establishment by ICLEI Members at the ICLEI World Congress in 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa, of a three-year pioneer project called “Local Action for Biodiversity” (LAB). In a short space of time this highly successful initiative has become globally renowned. LAB comes to an end during the ICLEI World Congress in Edmonton, and the World Congress is therefore an opportune time to report on the activities and accomplishments of the project and plans for its future.
Come to Edmonton and connect to an international network of over 1000 cities, and witness how local governments worldwide have been dealing with biodiversity management and related sustainability issues. Interact with first-class experts on what local governments can do to improve biodiversity and its management, and how to best integrate your biodiversity activities into planning and decision making procedures.
During ICLEI World Congress 2009, the most innovative thinkers and the most advanced cities will touch on all major sustainability topics from a distinctive angle: how to achieve a radical and fast change at the local level, and how to do so in a practical and accessible way. The ICLEI World Congress has a personal touch; in addition to listening to key notes and public presentations, you will also engage in small group dialogues on issues high on your local agenda as well as connecting with hundreds of other participants and with the global ICLEI network. You will leave Edmonton inspired, eager to engage with your community on action toward sustainability, and better equipped to turn plans into actions!
The biodiversity component of the ICLEI World Congress is further complemented by Urban Nature 2009. This dedicated urban biodiversity forum, unparalleled in its scope and international representation, is an engaging platform for local governments, communities and their partners to meet, share and exchange best practice, science and new directions in the field of urban biodiversity. Urban Nature 2009 follows on the success of Urban Nature 2006, which preceded the previous ICLEI World Congress in Cape Town. The workshop will be attended by representatives of local and regional governments, scientists, and representatives of various local and international conservation organisations.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the largest association of cities committed to sustainable development. For almost 20 years it has worked on local sustainability with hundreds of local governments by launching global campaigns on climate, water, procurement and other important sustainability issues. ICLEI Members are improving the urban environment for over 400 million people in 67 countries around the world.
Come to the thriving city of Edmonton, one of Canada greenest cities. Witness how the city has mobilized its citizens for the past year through its EcoVision, and their participation in the LAB Pioneer project. Enjoy Western Canada hospitality and consider taking a post-congress trip to the stunning Rocky Mountains nearby.
The time has come for action. Join us in Edmonton and put local sustainability on the world map!
View the latest version of the draft program on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009/program to see how the issue of biodiversity is developed throughout the congress; visit www.iclei.org/lab to find out more about ICLEI’s biodiversity activities. Register online today on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009/registration to ensure your participation!
More information on program and speakers, logistics and the Host City on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009
ICLEI is aware that good biodiversity management has a variety of ecological, social and economic benefits. This awareness led to the establishment by ICLEI Members at the ICLEI World Congress in 2006 in Cape Town, South Africa, of a three-year pioneer project called “Local Action for Biodiversity” (LAB). In a short space of time this highly successful initiative has become globally renowned. LAB comes to an end during the ICLEI World Congress in Edmonton, and the World Congress is therefore an opportune time to report on the activities and accomplishments of the project and plans for its future.
Come to Edmonton and connect to an international network of over 1000 cities, and witness how local governments worldwide have been dealing with biodiversity management and related sustainability issues. Interact with first-class experts on what local governments can do to improve biodiversity and its management, and how to best integrate your biodiversity activities into planning and decision making procedures.
During ICLEI World Congress 2009, the most innovative thinkers and the most advanced cities will touch on all major sustainability topics from a distinctive angle: how to achieve a radical and fast change at the local level, and how to do so in a practical and accessible way. The ICLEI World Congress has a personal touch; in addition to listening to key notes and public presentations, you will also engage in small group dialogues on issues high on your local agenda as well as connecting with hundreds of other participants and with the global ICLEI network. You will leave Edmonton inspired, eager to engage with your community on action toward sustainability, and better equipped to turn plans into actions!
The biodiversity component of the ICLEI World Congress is further complemented by Urban Nature 2009. This dedicated urban biodiversity forum, unparalleled in its scope and international representation, is an engaging platform for local governments, communities and their partners to meet, share and exchange best practice, science and new directions in the field of urban biodiversity. Urban Nature 2009 follows on the success of Urban Nature 2006, which preceded the previous ICLEI World Congress in Cape Town. The workshop will be attended by representatives of local and regional governments, scientists, and representatives of various local and international conservation organisations.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the largest association of cities committed to sustainable development. For almost 20 years it has worked on local sustainability with hundreds of local governments by launching global campaigns on climate, water, procurement and other important sustainability issues. ICLEI Members are improving the urban environment for over 400 million people in 67 countries around the world.
Come to the thriving city of Edmonton, one of Canada greenest cities. Witness how the city has mobilized its citizens for the past year through its EcoVision, and their participation in the LAB Pioneer project. Enjoy Western Canada hospitality and consider taking a post-congress trip to the stunning Rocky Mountains nearby.
The time has come for action. Join us in Edmonton and put local sustainability on the world map!
View the latest version of the draft program on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009/program to see how the issue of biodiversity is developed throughout the congress; visit www.iclei.org/lab to find out more about ICLEI’s biodiversity activities. Register online today on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009/registration to ensure your participation!
More information on program and speakers, logistics and the Host City on www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009
See you in Edmonton!
The World Congress team
Congress Secretariat
ICLEI's International Training Centre
Leopoldring 3
D-79098 Freiburg, Germany
Tel: +49-761 / 36892-20
Fax: +49-761 / 36892-29
Email: world.congress@iclei.org
www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009
