International Conference on Cultural and Biological Diversity

8-10 June 2010, Montreal, Canada

Background
The International Year of Biodiversity provides an effective framework for reinforcing the implementation of the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), while also highlighting the linkages between biodiversity and human well being.

Such a holistic approach to the biodiversity debate enhances the importance of recognizing the inextricable links existing between biodiversity and cultural diversity, which together hold the key to sustainable development. In this context, the International Conference on Cultural and Biological Diversity, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the CBD Secretariat, UNEP and the University of Montreal, will be held from 8 to 10 June 2010 in Montreal, Canada.

Objectives
The main objectives of the conference are to:

• bring together civil society, representatives of indigenous and local populations, policy makers, scientists and intergovernmental and development cooperation agencies to exchange knowledge and practices linking biological and cultural diversity
• provide elements for a programme of work to be jointly implemented by UNESCO, the CBD and other partners.

Venue: Hotel Hilton Bonaventure Montreal, located at 900 de la Gauchetière Street West, Montreal, Canada

Related links

• Declaration
• Joint Programme
• Programme
• Working document
• Conference website
• Registration information
• Contacts
• Canadian Commission for UNESCO
• Canada Research Chair in Ethnoecology and Biodiversity Conservation (CRCEBC)
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
• Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB)