SD @ IUCN Second World Conservation Congress

4 - 11 October 2000, Amman, Jordan

Daily coverage

Final Briefing

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The Second IUCN World Conservation Congress met from 4-11 October 2000 in Amman, Jordan. An estimated 2,000 individuals from 140 countries representing governments, NGOs, UN Agencies and the private sector participated in the Congress. The theme of the Congress was "Ecospace" - a concept that conveys the message that transboundary management of ecosystems is vital for the environmental agenda. Over the course of the meeting, delegates participated in 12 thematic sessions to consider the issues ranging from: ecospaces and a global culture for sustainability to environment and security to local solutions promoting social equity and cultural diversity. The Congress adopted 104 resolutions on a wide range of conservation, programme and governance topics. The Earth Forum, a day long meeting co-hosted by the Earth Council and IUCN, preceeded the Congress and brought together experts to debate "Where are we going? Prospects for the earth in the new millennium." Continued in SD's Summary Edition.

Summary Edition of SD's coverage of WCC-2:
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26th SITTINGS OF THE CONGRESS
Securing the environment in Gaza Strip, the West Bank and Jerusalem: This resolution (CGR2.CNV030) was introduced in light of recent regional events. Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan (shown here addressing plenary) and Kuwait stressed that the resolutions is not political, but concerns the environmental aspects of the impact of conflict. The resolution was adopted. It, inter alia, expresses concern over the outbreak of violence and resulting loss of human life and environmental impact, supports efforts to end violence and protect the environment, and affirms that the peace process offers an opportunity to build relations to better protect human life and the environment in the region.
Martin Holdgate presented and discussed the Report of the Programme Committee (CGR/1/1000/CRP.006). He noted that Rule of Procedure no.51, which attempts to limit overlapping mandates, has only been met with partial success. He suggested that in the future, each Commission mandate should be complemented by a strategic plan that fits within the overall IUCN Programme; and that cooperation among the Commissions, and between the Commissions and the Secretariat, could be improved. At the next WCC, Holdgate suggested that one or more of the days allocated for interactive sessions should be dedicated to the KRAs and their cross-cutting nature. RealAudio excerpts of Sir Holdgate's presentation
Closing Ceremony
	Koch-Weser noted that representatives from North Korea had attended the Congress for the first time, remarking that this provided an opportunity to celebrate environment and peace.
In the spirit of the new relations between the two Koreas, a South Korean (center) provided translation for the North Korean (left) as he expressed his thanks to the Congress.
	The representative of Guatemala announced his country's offer to host the 3rd World Conservation Congress, and presented a brief video on Guatemala.
Above: the outgoing members of the Council were formally thanked for their service to the Union and were given a token of appreciation.
	Maritta Koch-Weser, IUCN Director General, expressed her sincere gratitude to the members of the royal family of Jordan who had supported IUCN. She noted that Queen Rania would act as patron to IUCN's Global Youth Forum, underscored the importance of the seven key results areas and encouraged participants approach Rio +10 with a strong mandate to stop species extinction. RealAudio excerpts of Koch-Weser's statement
On behalf of all commissioners, Adrian Phillips noted the clear message sent by the Congress to integrate the work between Commissions and to synthesize more effectively with the rest of IUCN. RealAudio excerpts of Philips' statement
	Yolanda Kakabadse, President of IUCN, closed the congress by highlighting IUCN's steps to decentralize and increase regional representation and stressing the importance of the new programme which would help ensure accountability. RealAudio excerpts of Kakabadse's closing statement
The Congress adjourned at 12:00pm.
	After adopting or withdrawing all outstanding resolutions and hearing closing statements, participants left the Plenary Hall of Amman's Sports City for the last time shortly after noon.
	"See you in Guatemala City!"
Behind the scenes
	The success of the Second World Congress would not have been possible without the hard work of the volunteers, Secretariat staff, interpreters, security and local staff. Pictured here: the helpful people from the Registration desk.
The SD writing team, from left to right: Violette Lacloche (France), Leanne Burney (Canada), Laura Ivers (US), and Alison Ormsby (US). Missing: Fida Hadjeer (Jordan), Logistics Coordinator. Behind the camera: Andrei Henry (Canada), webmaster.

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