Sydney Olympic Park Hosts Successful World Parks Congress

Sydney Olympic Park last week showcased its extensive sustainability credentials and successfully hosted more than 6,000 parks specialists from around the world for the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) World Parks Congress 2014.

Opening of the World Parks Congress 2014 at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday 12/11/2014.
Photographs by Rick Stevens for SOPA/20141112

The international forum on environmental conversation saw delegates from 170 countries, including five Heads of State and one Vice President, converge on Sydney Olympic Park’s 430 hectares of parklands in the once-every-ten-year gathering to share knowledge and set the agenda for conserving the world's natural heritage.

The main collective outcome of the Congress is referred to as the Promise of Sydney – a four pillared approach, including a vision, approach, solutions and promises, to solve some of the world’s most elusive sustainability challenges and create a promising future for generations to come.

“Since undergoing its land regeneration project from a former brickworks, abattoir and rubbish dump to prepare for the ‘Green Games’ in 2000, Sydney Olympic Park has remained committed to a sustainable approach. Today, Sydney Olympic Park is home to 400 native plants, 200 native animal species and a range of alternative energy generation, waste and water recycling and sustainability solutions,” said Alan Marsh, CEO Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

During the Congress, delegates had the opportunity to attend free walking technical tours around the Sydney Olympic Park precinct. The tours showcased the diverse parkland areas with a focus on Wetland Restoration, Birdwatching and Restoration Ecology.

KEY FIGURES FROM THE IUCN WORLD PARKS CONGRESS 2014 AT SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

• More than 6000 participants
• Five heads of state, one Vice President
• 170 countries
• 15 international environment ministers
• 7 heads of United Nations organisations
• 6 Australian ministers and Senators
• 320 delegates registered to participate in Sydney Olympic Park specialist delegate excursions / technical tours.
• Total of 2670 room nights at Accor hotels at Sydney Olympic Park
• An estimated $34.2m of economic activity injected into NSW

The IUCN World Parks Congress 2014 took place at Sydney Olympic Park from 12 to 19 November.

Opening of the World Parks Congress 2014 at Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday 12/11/2014.
Photographs by Rick Stevens for SOPA/20141112

For more information on about Sydney Olympic Park parklands visit sydneyolympicpark.com.au.

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