A Norwegian delegation consisting of nine representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, the Directorate for Nature Management and the Ministry of Fishery and Coastal Affairs are attending the World Conservation Congress at Jeju Island, from 6 to 15 September. Held every four years and arranged by the International Union for Conservation of nature (IUCN), it is the world’s largest and most important conservation event.
Former Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Mr Erik Solheim, is one of the speakers at the congress. Mr Solheim is recognised internationally for his engagement in environmental issues and especially for establishing the International Norwegian Climate- and Forest Initiative. The initiative has received international attention for developing solutions to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries.
The conference gathers leaders from government and the public sector, non-governmental organizations, businesses, UN agencies and social organizations. The organisers emphasise the importance of discussions between all the different stakeholders to develop solutions for the world’s pressing environment challenges. As pointed out on the congress’ website; “the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress is the place to put aside differences and work together to provide the means and mechanisms for good environmental governance, engaging all parts of society to share both responsibilities and the benefits of conservation”.