Story | 27 Mar, 2015

Finland to host the next IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia

IUCN officially announces Helsinki, Finland, as the host of the 2015 Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia, from 14 to 17 December 2015.

In a letter addressed to the Minister of the Environment of Finland, Ms. Sanni Grahn-Laasonen, last week, IUCN Director General, Inger Andersen, officially accepted Finland´s invitation to host the 2015 Regional Conservation Forum, while expressing IUCN´s gratitude “for Finland’s commitment and leadership to conservation and nature-based solutions”.

"Finland is strongly committed to the values and goals of IUCN and is delighted to organize and host the IUCN European Conservation Forum 2015, which is acknowledged to be one of the most important events for conservation and sustainable development in the region.” says Marina Von Weissenberg, a Finland national, and IUCN Vice-President and Regional Councillor for West Europe.

“The Regional Conservation Forum is a milestone for all IUCN Members and partners, not only as a preparation for the World Conservation Congress, but also as a gateway to engaging and identifying opportunities and partners for the implementation of concrete actions for the conservation of nature in Europe, North and Central Asia,” says Sebastià Semene Guitart, Senior Coordinator for Europe at IUCN. “With its vast experience in conference organization, and a proven record of green values and commitment to nature conservation, we are sure Helsinki will provide an exceptional setting for this Regional Forum.”

The Conservation Forum for Europe, North & Central Asia will be held from 14 to 17 December 2015. It will provide a unique platform to learn, network and exchange information at a regional level. The Forum will also give IUCN Members the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming World Conservation Congress, discussing and providing input to the IUCN Global Programme 2017-2020, motions process and IUCN President and Councillors elections, among others.

IUCN Members in Finland, through the leadership of the National Committee, will be active partners for the organisation of the Regional Conservation Forum. The IUCN National Committee of Finland was approved by IUCN Council in 1999 and includes the five IUCN Member organizations in the country, among which the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, which was one of the founders of IUCN in 1948.

For more information, visit: http://tiny.cc/iucn_europeforum