City of Greater Sudbury to Showcase Achievements at International Biodiversity Summit

The City of Greater Sudbury will be a represented panel member at an international summit held concurrently with the 12th meeting of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The 2014 Biodiversity Summit will provide a platform for all levels of government with the goal of strengthening multi-level cooperation to achieve the targets of its Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

 Greater Sudbury Acting General Manager of Growth and Development Paul Baskcomb will represent the city during panel discussions at the Summit held from October 12 to 14 in Gangown Province, South Korea.

“It’s an incredible honour to receive an invitation to participate in this conference,” said Baskcomb. “City staff and VETAC, the Regreening Advisory Panel, deserve credit for leading the community development of a local Biodiversity Action Plan in partnership with Vale and Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations.

“Greater Sudbury has received numerous awards and international recognition for its regreening efforts since 1978. The Biodiversity Action Plan builds on our success to define a clear path that will support the continued ecological recovery of our once barren landscape. This is an experience that we will share with governments from around the world.”

Baskcomb, a Registered Professional Planner and a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP, RPP), is attending the Biodiversity Summit at the invitation of the Convention on Biological Diversity Secretariat which is covering all travel expenses.

The Summit is described as a unique opportunity to bring local and sub-national governments together to share ideas, engage with experts and strengthen multi-level cooperation with a view to enhancing management of biodiversity and to safeguard ecosystems.

The City of Greater Sudbury’s Biodiversity Action Plan was released in 2009 as a “living document” that is periodically revised to reflect changes in the local landscape and community priorities. The Action Plan was developed over several months with direct input from a broad range of local stakeholders.  Its implementation is rooted in strong community partnerships for regreening which have achieved internationally recognized success. The complete Greater Sudbury Biodiversity Action Plan is available at www.greatersudbury.ca/biodiversity

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