You Are Cordially Invited to Attend

Human Strategies for Conserving Nature’s Biodiversity

The 4th Bi-Annual Non-Governmental Organization Forum

OnInternational Environmental Cooperation in China

November 7-11 2005, Kunming, China

With the rapid growth of China’s economy and its persistent population growth, conflicts between human and nature continue to intensify. Land degradation, resource shortages, and pollution have hindered China’s ability to reach a sustainable level of development. In recent years, the Chinese government has promoted the concept of rational and scientific development. Last year, it proclaimed that China’s goal is to establish a‘harmonious society’. Given the current governmental model of development, however, these goals will only be reached through a much stronger civil society and an expanded ability of NGOs to function. In recent years, Chinese environmental NGOs have grown significantly. They are playing an irreplaceable role in such key activities as enhancing public awareness, monitoring polluting factories, and preserving endangered species.

The Bi-Annual NGO Forum on International Environmental Cooperation in China has become a key platform for Chinese NGOs to communicate with international communities. This 4th Forum is jointly organized byThe International Fund for China’s Environment, RenminUniversity of China, Green Earth Volunteers, and Kunming Science & Technology Association, and will be held from November 7-11 inKunming, China. The proceedings will be hosted by Green Watershedin the Lianyun Hotel.The theme of this year’s Forum is Human Strategies for Conserving Nature’s Biodiversity. Subtopics to be addressed include: 1) Watershed restoration and public participation; 2) Government and NGO partnerships; 3) Innovative methods and techniques in conservation; 4) Coalition-building for international river management; and 5) Environmental legal advocacy. We are inviting both international and domestic experts, NGOs, and government officials to discuss issues related to these topics.In addition, a 2nd forum for college environmental organizations will be held simultaneously at the proceedings.

Overview of the Forum:

1. More than 100 active Chinese NGOs will participate, including GreenRivers, Friends of Nature, Shaanxi Mothers Environmental Volunteers.
2. More than 60 of China’s most active college environmental organizations will participate.
3. More than 30 international NGOs/agencies from North America, Europe and Southeast Asian countries will attend.
4. More than 30 leading Chinese and international media agencies will cover the event and report in depth on activities of environmental cooperation.
5. Post conference tours will be arranged to beautiful Dali—Lijiang—Shangri-La and Nu River regions.

The Forum will be an exceptional opportunity for international NGOs to understand the environmental and ecological challenges in China and develop collaborative relationships with Chinese NGOs. We sincerely invite you to participate. For other detailed information, please refer to our website atwww.ifce.org.We look forward to seeing you in Kunming!

Enclosed：

　　　Introduction　　　　Registration form　　　Post conference tours 　　　Preliminary program

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