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Nepal to host Asia's largest conservation forum
 7 Septermber 2007


Under the theme of "Synergies for a Sustainable Asia," Nepal will be hosting the 4th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF), a premier environmental event to address sustainable development issues in this dynamic and biodiversity-rich region. The RCF seeks to integrate conservation issues into mainstream development. The forum will also showcase Nepal’s rich natural and cultural heritage and measures taken for its management. The forum will bring together approximately 400 representatives from IUCN’s membership, commissions, secretariat and council in Asia with major stakeholders, including those belonging to the donor community and private sector from as many as 36 Asian countries.

The RCF is being organized by the Government of Nepal and the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Prime Minister of Nepal Right Honourable Girija Prasad Koirala will inaugurate the event while UNEP Regional Director for Asia-Pacific Surendra Shrestha will present the keynote address. IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lèfevre and IUCN Asia Regional Director Aban Marker Kabraji will give the opening remarks. Says Kabraji: “The members and partners of IUCN Asia play a crucial role in influencing and directing the future of sustainability of Asia. This forum represents the voices of Asia on conservation and development issues which will be taken to the World Conservation Congress to be held in Barcelona, Spain, in October 2008.”

The main agenda of the forum is to generate meaningful dialogue on critical conservation and development issues in the region as well as their solutions. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of emerging socio-economic trends in the region during the 21st century. Among the highlights of the event will be the endorsement of the proposed IUCN Asia Intersessional Programme for the next quadrennium
(2009 - 2012) by IUCN membership and strategies for addressing key regional issues such as climate change, energy and environmental security.

The RCF will focus on three thematic priority areas: conserving biodiversity for life, climate change and energy and poverty, environment and greening the economy. In addition, the forum will provide an opportunity to examine alternative approaches to development in Asia as well as the role of the business sector.

The importance of the forum can be gauged by the fact that Asian ecosystems support over 50 percent of the world’s population and nearly 40 percent of its biodiversity. As such, it is imperative for member countries as well as the international conservation community to work towards the common goal of a sustainable Asia, not least because of the inextricable links between environmental security, peace and environment.

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