Marine protection focus at ECO conference

Marine protection focus at ECO conference

Auckland 10 June 2003 - Marine protection and urban sustainability are high on the agenda in a community based environmentalists and conservationists’ conference to be held in Auckland from 27-29 June.

“The annual ECO Conference draws people active in environmental and conservation campaigns and projects from around the country to share ideas, discuss environmental issues, learn valuable skills and be energized and inspired,” says ECO chair Cath Wallace.

The theme for ECO 2003 is "Getting Results for the Environment!" with an emphasis on helping people to develop practical skills and networks to make a difference. The programme includes a mix of dynamic speakers and interactive workshops covering campaign strategy, group formation, media skills, marine protection, environmental education, multi-cultural environmental perspectives and urban sustainability.

Ms Wallace hopes that people and groups in the north, in Coromandel, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty will find the Auckland location accessible. Last year’s conference was in Wellington.

“We invite people from conservation and environment groups and those with an interest in the environment and conservation to register for this year’s conference now,” says Ms Wallace. “We’ll be debating some hot topics including marine protection, from marine reserves to aquaculture management, as well as a wide range of other issues.”

The Minister of Conservation Chris Carter and the Minister of Oceans, Fisheries and Energy Pete Hodgson will address the conference.

Venue: Awataha Marae, 58 Akoranga Drive, Northcote, North Shore Dates: Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June 2003 Registration costs are modest and include accommodation and food.

Programme information and a registration pack are available from {www.eco.org.nz" }www.eco.org.nz or by phoning conference organiser Ginnaya Turner on 09 630 6317.

ECO (Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ Inc) is an umbrella organisation with 65 member organisations ranging from a global group like Greenpeace to national groups like the National Council of Women to local community groups.

ECO provides its members with lobbying power in Wellington political circles, and opportunities to share resources and information.

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