GREEN CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN CAPITAL
Edinburgh will play host to a conference examining how Central Scotland can deliver for nature and people on Tuesday 4 June 2013.
The third annual forum of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) will celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland and will be held at the Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt Campus from 9:15am to 5:00pm.
The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace initiative which seeks to transform the central belt into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people’s lives are enriched by its quality.
The conference offers a programme of first-class international speakers and will draw inspiration from global, green infrastructure projects, such as The Cheongyecheon Restoration Project in Seoul, Korea and the work of Atelier Dreistl, based in Germany, who work throughout the world on Ecological Waterscape projects – as well as those closer to home – to explore how green networks can deliver for nature and people.
The event will also include a governmental address by Sir Peter Housden and an examination of best practice projects including the South Pennine Watershed Landscape Project.
Scottish Government Permanent Secretary Sir Peter Housden said: “The Scottish Government recognises that a greener natural environment is not only desirable but also a necessity. As Ministers have made clear, high-quality and accessible green spaces support improved health and wellbeing, and the growth of Scotland’s green economy is an important source of sustainable employment.
“During the Year of Natural Scotland the Government is placing the spotlight on Scotland’s outstanding natural environment. And it’s not just about our famed Highlands and Islands – the Central Belt is making an important contribution and the Central Scotland Green Network has a key role to play in the region’s continued green regeneration.”
Dr Gyeng Chul Kim, President of the Korea Transport Institute is one of the speakers at the event and will discuss how urban transportation management brought nature back to the South Korean capital city of Seoul.
The Cheongyecheon Restoration Project removed the urban highway and created a 3.6mile linear green river park in the heart of the city, solving the city’s transportation problem, revitalising the area and transforming the quality of life for residents.
Keith Geddes, Chair of the CSGN Partnership Board said: “The Central Scotland Green Network operates as a catalyst in providing a joined up approach to improving the quality of life within Central Scotland’s towns and cities.
“This year’s forum will provide a valuable platform for promoting the value of nature and green thinking to the environment, people and the economy. I have no doubt that the line-up of keynote speakers from across the globe will inspire delegates.”
The CSGN is one of the 14 national developments set out in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework. With an all-encompassing remit, far beyond just a ‘green initiative’, it aims to improve the social, physical, cultural and environmental health and well-being of Central Scotland, as well as assisting the area to meet the challenge of climate change.
Stretching from Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Dunbartonshire in the west, to Fife and Lothians in the east, the CSGN encompasses 19 local authorities across 10,000 sq km and has the potential to benefit 3.5million people, equating to 70 per cent of Scotland’s population.
For further information about the Central Scotland Green Network, please visit http://www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org
Submitted by CENTRAL SCOTLAND GREEN NETWORK
