The Beaches World Tour Conference took place in Toronto, Canada in the period 9-11 October 2007
The "Beaches World Tour" Conference was organised in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Blue Flag Programme (1987-2007). It took place October 9-11 in Toronto Canada back-to-back to the annual Blue Flag national operator meeting, both organised by the Environmental Defence, the organisation running the Blue Flag programme in Canada.
The conference engaged a broad range of stakeholders. Participants had come from all over Canada and from more than 30 other countries to discuss best practices and emerging issues related to beaches and coastal environments.
The first day of the conference primarily looked at key issues affecting beaches around the world such as climate change and tourism. Keynote speakers were Murray Simpson, research scientist at the Oxford University Centre for the Environment and Lara Hansen, Chief Climate Change Scientist, WWF International who illustrated the effects of climate change on beach destinations, sustainable tourism and on the oceans. During the day, leading specialists presented and discussed efforts to create solutions at the community level. In his illustrative speach, David Miller, the mayor of Toronto, provided impressive insight into the city's engagement for their coastal environments.
Day 2 focused on best practices from beaches around the world. Experts from 20 countries presented successful cases of improvement of management and protection in these areas.
The Blue Flag Coordination would like to thank the Canadian organisation, Environmental Defence Canada, for their professional organisation of this productive and enjoyable event and all sponsors who have made this conference possible.
More information about the conference, speakers, agenda and full presentations can be found at www.blueflag.ca
Blue Flag • Scandiagade 13 • DK-2450 Copenhagen SV • Denmark
Tel: +45 33 28 04 09 • coordination@blueflag.org