The Coordinating Committee of the Guidelines for Global Action on Peatlands (CoCo GGAP), the Global Peatland Initiative (GPI) and the IMCG intend to organise a joint side event presenting the results and progress of the GGAP, as well as a peatland-related pre-excursion prior to the official start of the Ramsar Conference of Parties (CoP) 9 in Kampala, Uganda later this year.
The envisaged side event will emphasise the importance of the work of the CoCo-GAP and to promote the peatland recommendations prepared for CoP9. In order to attract wide interest, this may be coupled with some cultural presentation, focusing on Africa and African peatlands. The event is planned to held during the lunch break (13:00-15:00) on Friday, 11 November or on Saturday 12 November. Catering (sandwiches, beverages) for delegates will be provided and up to 160 people are expected.
One two-day or two one day excursions are also planned, focussing on Ugandan peatlands and peatland-related wetlands. Depending on the programme, the accessibility of the sites and vehicles available, the pre-excursion may be also offered officially to delegates of the CoP9.
Uganda has the most comprehensive wetland inventory on the African continent. Nearly 30 % of the country is covered by wetlands. The purpose of this side event is also to learn as much as possible from the Uganda people about their success in wetland management. This will result in the building of local, regional and international capacity and the much needed transfer of peatland and mire related skills and knowledge.
Please visit the wetland website of Uganda if you are interested to find out more about the country and its wetlands at: http://www.ugandawetlands.org
Please contact Jan Sliva or Piet-Louis Grundling if you would like to contribute to the success of this event at CoP9.
Jan Sliva, sliva@wzw.tum.de
Piet-Louis Grundling, peatland@mweb.co.za