NEW DELHI, 15 March, 2000 - IUCN - The World Conservation Union, the world's largest conservation-related organisation and environmental knowledge network, will organise an international conference on environment, Regional Conservation Forum II, "Securing Our Future In Asia: The New Century" in India. The Forum will bring together almost 300 representatives of IUCN's membership, commissions, secretariat and council in Asia with Indian representatives on a common platform to discuss conservation issues. RCF II will be held in New Delhi at Vigyan Bhawan from 22nd - 25th March 2000.
One specific aim of RCF II is to generate discussion on conservation issues, keeping in mind how environment relates to security. For example, it is predicted that some of the major conflicts of this century will be over water, a natural resource and an environmental issue. Some of this discussion will feed into the World Conservation Congress to be held in Amman, Jordan in October 2000, to be attended by over 1,500 people from around the globe.
Speaking about the forthcoming 4-day conference, Mr. S K Mukherjee, Member Secretary, IUCN India National Committee and Director, Wildlife Institute of India, said, "Increase in the forest cover and its productivity, conservation of biodiversity through a protected areas network, security for environment, food and water all are the main focus in the field of conservation. This meeting here at New Delhi will give us new opportunities for partnership and new approaches to meet the challenges."
Speaking about the theme of the forum, Ms Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director, IUCN Asia, "Recognising the nature and variety of our programmes, IUCN's programme in Asia is one of security, be it the security of peoples' livelihoods, food security or environmental security. The challenge for the IUCN Asia Regional Office is to integrate a complex multitude of activities and projects into a comprehensive programme that addresses the common issues endemic to the region."
The Minister of Environment and Forests will present the inaugural address followed by the Director-General of IUCN, to set the tone for the coming days. During the next few days sub-regional and country presentations will place the conference in a concrete context of conservation activities, while presentations and panel discussions regarding commission activities and donor groups will offer opportunity for integration.
The conference is expected to be attended by known personalities such as Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, past President of IUCN, Mr. Adrian Phillips, Chair, World Commission on Protected Areas, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Indian Council of Agriculture and Indian Council of Forestry Research.
About IUCN Asia Region
The Asia Region has over 100 State, government and non-governmental members, while the secretariat maintains offices in Bangladesh, Lao PDR, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Encompassing a huge diversity of cultures and ecosystems, and home to 60% of the world's population, the Asia region has a unique mix of characteristics and problems. Armed conflicts, economic crises and political upheavals have marked the entire region over the last decade of the century, affecting peoples' lives and livelihoods directly. Underscored by a deteriorating natural base and biodiversity resources, the vast region is beset by poverty and issues of security.
For further information, contact:
Ms. Gitanjli Bahl / Ms. Surabhi Bhatia at Corporate Voice Shandwick PR
# 431 2611 / 2711/ 2822
