Eco Cities of the Mediterranean Forum 2008

Eco Cities of the Mediterranean is a 3-day regional Forum that aims to create momentum in addressing environmental challenges and opportunities in metropolitan cities across the Mediterranean region and the world. The Forum also intends to promote the adoption of environment friendly practices by suggesting policies, strategies and programs that involve different stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

Mediterranean cities, private and intermediary organizations will join forces and work together to discuss best practices, technologies, financial mechanisms, criteria and exchange their own experiences and ideas.

The Forum, which will be held from 18 to 20 October 2008, at the Dead Sea in Jordan, is being organized by the Jordanian Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Greater Amman Municipality, UNIDO and USAID Jordan Economic Development Program.

The Eco–cities of the Mediterranean Initiative worked to identify the environmental issues effecting urban cities. Regional leaders and stakeholders decided on what needs to be done in order to mitigate these challenges, and developed the Amman Declaration:

Acknowledging that the population of metropolitan cities are increasing at an alarming rate.

Noting in particular the MDG # 7 which calls for ensuring environmental sustainability,

Realizing that metropolitan cities consume almost 80 % of our planet's natural resources,

Recalling further that current metropolitan consumer patterns are seriously impacting our natural environment and the health of its inhabitants,

Recognizing the need for the private sector to pursue more sustainable investments and environmentally friendly technologies,

Recognizing further the need to develop, upgrade and integrate environmental substance into current city planning practices, programs and performance,

Further Recognizing the important role media has on changing the general public’s perception and consumer consumption to a more sustainable one,

Noting the need for strong commitment from the public sector to introduce more sustainable, environmentally friendly and cleaner production legislation,

Welcoming the effect that environmentally friendly and cleaner technology have on reducing the environmental footprint and lessening the causes of climate change while reducing the financial burden on cities, enterprises and individuals.

Recommendations:

1. Urge local governments and municipalities to develop, strengthen and enforce legislation that promotes actions, programs and projects that reduce air and noise pollution and increase the area of and accessibility to open green spaces and embark on campaigns for planting suitable trees in metropolitan cities;
2. Call upon local governments, municipalities and stakeholders to enhance and support efforts put forth by the private sector to develop economically feasible: alternative transport modes, greener buildings, energy efficiency and renewable energy use, water conservation and water recycling processes and technologies;
3. Continue to urge the respective media authorities and private sector to fulfill their obligations towards educating the general public and raising their awareness on the relevant environmental issues and challenges;
4. Welcome the actions taken by the authorities that call for rewarding environmental compliance and holding environmental violators accountable;
5. Further Call upon international agencies such as, but not limited to, the UN and the IUCN to provide support to and the recognition of eco-city authorities, NGOs and CBOs working in the field of building of eco cities capacities;
6. Requests the support of financial institutions to put forward financial mechanisms which encourage and support environmental investments, technologies and supports PPP;
7. Further Urge City officials to integrate environmental policies into existing city planning strategies, city management and action plans.
8. Call upon metropolitan City Mayors to encourage solidarity between eco-friendly cities and create a network of eco-cities.

• Mohammad Asfour wrote (3 years ago):

  http://www.ameinfo.com/167194.html

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• Mohammad Asfour wrote (3 years ago):

  http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080826/jordan_eco_cities.html?.v=1
  

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• Mohammad Asfour wrote (3 years ago):

  Greetings,
  
  Join us and let us work together at The Eco Cities of the Mediterranean Forum 2008 that will be held from October 18- 20, 2008 at the Dead Sea in Jordan. The Forum will feature panel discussions led by experts covering topics on environmental challenges, strategies, policies and solutions in urban areas, with a motivation for action. Ministers, Mayors, members of the local authorities, service suppliers, intermediary and non governmental organizations will all be participating.
  
  For more information and online registration, please visit us at: www.eco-cities.net or contact us by email at info@eco-cities.net
  
  We look forward to welcoming you in Jordan,
  

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