9th meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Bonn sets a benchmark for the environmentally sound organisation of large-scale international events
The UN Conference on Biological Diversity is registered with the European Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). "We are delighted that our concept has succeeded and hope that many will follow our example" said Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel at the closing of the event. "The environmental statement in accordance with EMAS requirements attests to the credibility and transparency of the conference's environmental concept."
Minister Gabriel, president of the COP, was presented the certificate by Wolfgang Grießl, Member of the Presidium of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bonn. "We were very pleased that the Federal Environment Ministry brought this important conference to Bonn. Bonn trade and industry has proved that it can support and help shape such large-scale events with due regard for environmental protection", said Grießl.
A large-scale event over almost three weeks with more than 6,000 participants is a special challenge for organisers, in particular when care must be taken to act responsibly when using natural resources and to reduce environmental impacts. Prior to the conference, environmental verifiers carried out a two-day inspection of the venue and examined the environmental statement.
The CO2 emissions caused by the conference will be offset through a project in Burkina Faso, where climate-friendly biomass gasification plants are being financed.