Rio Conventions’ Ecosystems and Climate Change Pavilion

ICLEI-Local Governmentss for Sustainability convened the first session of the UNCCD COP 10 Rio Conventions' Pavilion on 10 October in Changwon, South Korea, titled Securing Ecosystem services for cities in the context of change.

After a welcome and brief introduction by Sergio Zelaya, the head of Policy for Advocacy on Global Issues and Platforms for the UNCCD Secretariat, Shela Patrickson introduced Environmental Sustainability in the global urban context, and highlighted some of the current issues that cities are facing. The distinguished line up of speakers was led by Dr. Walter Ammann - President/CEO of the Global Risk Forum - who described the importance of Environmental Sustainability for reducing and managing risk in cities.

Dr. Gea Jae Joo, Honorary Director Ramsar Regional Center - East Asia, outlined the importance of urban wetlands in a changing world, especially for increasing urban resilience. Korea's Green Growth Policy and the challenges facing Local Governments in light of responding to climate change was described by Dae-shikChin, Director of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, Korea Office.

Three local and sub-national governments described their efforts to adapt and create sustainable cities. Dr. Jeon Hong-Pyo - Community Advisory Council for Masan Bay - showed how CEPA can prove a driver for improving biodiversity and Environmental Sustainability provisions.

Dr. Junghee Sagong - Department of Environment & Ecology Research - Chungnam Development Institute - Chungnam Province - provided a good example of comprehensive and forward planning on the sub-national scale. Moon Mikyung - Division of Environmental Capital, Changwon City - described measures that the city is taking to become the international environmental capital city, including their bike system which has led to them hosting EcoMobility.