2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress Press Briefing Bangkok Event Thailand

Around 8,000 delegates will attend the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress on Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, from 6-15 September. Congress is the world’s largest and most important conservation event. Held once every four years, it brings together government leaders, NGOs and top professionals from all regions with a variety of on-the-ground expertise. Together they share knowledge on how our natural environment should be managed for the continued wellbeing of humanity and all life on Earth.

The Congress theme is Nature+, which captures the fundamental importance of nature and its inherent link to every aspect of our lives. Congress is the birthplace of ground-breaking environmental conventions, scientific discoveries and global initiatives. Be there to see how new key agreements shaping our future are coming to life. Some of many V.I.P. attendees include, but are not limited to, H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Iruka (Japanese singer & songwriter), Mattias Klumm (Photographer, National Geographic), Suk-Chae Lee (Chairman, Korea Telecom), and many more.

Together with the Congress Press Briefing, IUCN is launching our latest Red List report on The Status and Distribution of Freshwater Biodiversity in Indo-Burma. The report reveals:

The threats to freshwater biodiversity globally and in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot
The status and distribution of freshwater fishes, molluscs and other aquatic life of Indo-Burma,
Major threats to freshwater fishes and mollusks from current and planned large scale development projects particularly within the energy and water sectors.
Calls for conservation actions and recommendations.

In addition preliminary findings from the first ever detailed biodiversity serves of the Mekong River between Luang Prabang and Vientiane (including the controversial Xayaburi dam site) will be revealed.

Speakers are:
Dr. Robert Mather, Head of Southeast Asia Group, IUCN Asia
Mr. Michael Dougherty, Head of Communications, IUCN Asia
Mr. Raphael Glement, Water and Wetlands Officer, IUCN Lao PDR

Come join the night to find out more about what will be discussed at the IUCN World Conservation Congress which will set the global conservation agenda,, and get the latest update on the status of freshwater biodiversity in the Indo-Burma region including the Mekong and Chao Phraya Rivers, Inle Lake and the Tonle Sap according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Finger foods and soft drinks will be served.