PR – Bruges will host the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia
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PR - Bruges will host the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia
The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia will be held in Bruges from 30 September till 3 October 2024. Located in the modern Bruges Meeting & Convention Centre, the forum will offer a vibrant and creative space for the exchange of ideas, views and thoughts on the transition needed to address the environmental challenge our society faces today, globally and locally.
As the Union prepares for the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025, this Forum is a major opportunity to present the work of IUCN constituents across two statutory regions, Western and Eastern Europe and North and Central Asia. By hosting this Forum in Bruges, IUCN members will highlight perspectives on sustainable development issues and conservation priorities at the global and regional levels. This is also a great moment for the organisers to give recognition to the critical role that cities and subnational governments have in creating a sustainable urban future and in achieving their global mission to protect and restore biodiversity.
The Forum aims to create a space for dialogue, sharing knowledge and experience on topical conservation issues through keynotes and panels, participatory break-outs, exhibitions, inspiring excursions and a public biodiversity space in which citizens and students will be involved. All with the intention of setting high standards in sustainability and the hope of establishing a benchmark for reducing the environmental and biodiversity impact in future editions of the RCF.
Mieke Hoste, Alderman for Tourism is eager to welcome the Forum: “The delegates will love the compact size of Bruges, where all venues, hotels and sights are within walking distance. The whole city centre is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Moreover, our city is very sustainable and safe. It is also the perfect base to discover the green surroundings and to explore Flanders nature conservation programmes by train. From an economic point of view, the Forum will generate approximately 360 overnight stays in a midweek”.
Dirk De fauw, Mayor of Bruges: “Organising the forum in the BMCC is a sustainable choice as it has been awarded with the Green Key label. The building’s green roof absorbs rain water, purifies the air and regulates indoor temperature. Heat pumps and solar panels provide green energy. Products are ordered from local suppliers. Also the Forum’s hotels Martin’s Brugge and NH Brugge have a Green Key label”.
Gemmeke De Jongh, International Association Expert for Flanders and Brussels: Hosting IUCN in Bruges, Flanders in 2024 is the result of a joint effort by over 20 different stakeholders within the fields of biodiversity, nature and beyond. The Local Organising Committee is ambitious and committed to generate a true positive impact for IUCN and its members but also for the city of Bruges and its residents. Furthermore the congress will be a momentum to showcase all the different projects in the region e.g. the newly designated National Parks Flanders and Landscape Parks.
“The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum will provide an opportunity to put the greatest challenges facing biodiversity front and centre. We are very happy to bring together this diverse range of stakeholders to unite for nature. This meeting will not only be about addressing conservation issues but also sharing best practices, building bridges and inclusivity. Together with IUCN and the local team we welcome all stakeholders to join in Bruges”. Divija Jata, Coordinator, IUCN Belgian Focal Point.
About the RCF
The Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia 2024 is a collaborative effort by the Government of Flanders, the city of Bruges, the IUCN Belgian Focal Point, local partners and IUCN.
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Note for the editors
Contact:
Visit Bruges Convention Bureau
Kathy Van Wambeke, Sales Manager
E: meeting@brugge.be / T: +32(0)50 44 46 66
