Rapid Action Radical Solutions Connecting Leaders

World Congress & Annual Report 2008-2009

www.iclei.org 2 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 3

Congress Highlights / ICLEI Facts & Figures Letter from ICLEI‘s President and Vice President

Monika Zimmermann, local governments and to help them in form- • Global Budget of over 16 million USD hat a thrill to welcome the ICLEI World Congress to our home continent! We could not ITC Director presents Facts from ing their strategies. With a focus on concrete (22% increase from 2008) have hoped for a more gracious and welcoming host than the City of Edmonton. Each the World Congress action and measurable results, the World • Doubling of members, staff and projects Wdelegate felt at the same time at ease in the city and also felt the buzz in the air when so Congress provided local government partici- in three years (2006-09) many friends and colleagues from around the world gathered to share and learn from each other. • The ICLEI World Congress 2009 was a joint pants with tools, operational mechanisms, Our congratulations and gratitude to the City and the local host committee for pulling off such an project of ICLEI – Local Governments for and practical support. extraordinary event! Sustainability and the host City of Edmon- “The City of Edmonton has done ton. Teams from both sides worked and Connecting and Exchanging a wonderful job… we, from all Action on sustainability has never been more urgent. Evidence is overwhelming that our food planned for 30 months for the arrival of over The Congress provided a platform for inter- over the world, are delighted to supplies, the vegetation surrounding us and the water supplies we depend on will soon be stressed 600 delegates from around the world. action and strengthened the connection be- beyond repair. Temperatures are increasing, sea levels are rising, weather patterns and storms • Edmonton’s River Valley is one of the longest tween ICLEI Members and United Nations be here” are intensifying and our urban world is rapidly expanding. We have reached a defining moment in urban river valley parkland in North Amer- agencies, governments, financing institutions, history and are capable of prodigious achievement, but must accelerate our pace now. ica at 7,400 hectares. There are 22 major NGOs and other partners. During the Con- Congress Participant parks and over 150 kilometres of trails to gress interactive small-group discussions, re- The over 1000 Member cities that make up ICLEI have heard the call, taken on responsibility walk, cycle, snowshoe, and cross-country gional meetings and round tables created op- for current and future citizens and committed to action. These Members who have gathered in ski on! portunities for interaction and networking. Edmonton have highlighted that they are: • 600 participants from 51 countries partici- “Peak everything is happening. pated in “Connecting Leaders” – ICLEI’s Mobile Workshops and Social Events Dave Cadman, • At the international level, championing the role of cities in addressing global first World Congress in North America. Social activities provided opportunities to mix While it is a global scenario it ICLEI President, Councillor, environmental challenges; Vancouver, Canada • The Edmonton Climate Legacy has resulted business and pleasure. Participants also had has local manifestation... For cit- • Using ICLEI‘s ecoBUDGET system to plan, monitor, and report consumption of natural in the establishment of an ICLEI carbon the opportunity to go beyond conference venue ies, the benefit of acting is over- resources within the municipality; offset fund whereby ILCEI Member local through mobile workshops that explored sus- whelming. An idea once unfold- • Using software developed by ICLEI to measure greenhouse gas emissions and address governments will be able to apply for co- tainable practices around Edmonton. their sources; funding of municipal mitigation projects. ed will grow any way and cannot • In Europe and Latin America, they participate in the ICLEI EcoProcura campaign to ICLEI Facts & Figures be put in a box once again.” integrate ecological purchasing principles in their processes; Congress Highlights (as of June 2009) • Working on water conservation and showing significant achievements, for example in drought-affected Australia; and A Diverse Group of Experts and Leaders Mathis Wackernagel • 1,098 Members representing over • BIODIVERSITY Over 500 delegates from local governments, 400 million people Executive Director international agencies, national governments, Global Footprint Network • 14 offices on 5 continents In Edmonton we reunited with colleagues and made new friends from around the world; it was a and the business community came together • 223 staff delight to see the ICLEI network has grown and strengthened. We look forward to welcoming you in Edmonton. These leading political decision Martha Delgado-Peralta all to the next World Congress in 2012 and why not challenge ourselves again to double membership makers, researchers, and managers identified ICLEI Vice President, Secretary of Environment in those coming three years! opportunities to strengthen and advance the Mexico City, Mexico sustainability achievements of local govern- ments. The purpose of the event was to foster the exchange of ideas among innovative and leading local governments and to help them in forming their strategies. With a focus on concrete action and measurable results, the Letter from Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel World Congress provided local government participants with tools, operational mechan- isms, and practical support. hank you for coming to Edmonton! Our city – our province’s capital – was honoured to be the Critical, Cross-cutting Issues host of ICLEI’s World Congress 2009; the passion and enthusiasm that you brought to the city The numerous sessions, seminars, workshops Tresounded through the halls of the Shaw Conference Centre and the streets of Edmonton! and events addressed a broad range of sus- tainable development and urban issues. How We hope that you came away from the Congress with best practices to share with your councils and can local governments most effectively ad- administrations back home and that you also went home with sustainability examples from around dress climate change, water and biodiversity? Edmonton that can be replicated in your communities, Edmontonians are proud of our commit- How can we prioritize sustainability in the face ment to sustainability and I hope that we shared this with all of you. of economic difficulties? Read on for specific results! As a new member of the Executive Committee, I am excited to be more actively involved with ICLEI and help further ICLEI’s activities both within Canada and internationally. Practical Examples and Learning The purpose of the event was to foster the ex- Thank you for your commitment to local action on sustainability and thank you for making Edmon- change of ideas among innovative and leading ton a part of that. Monika Zimmermann, ITC Director and Stephen Mandel, Barry Anderson, Chair of the Local Host Committee for the ICLEI World Congress 2009 Mayor of Edmonton 4 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 5

Secretary General Editorial (to be written) Protecting Urban Biodiversity

CLEI’s biodiversity program assists local In May 2008, the 8th Conference of the Parties governments in their efforts to conserve (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Iand sustainably manage biodiversity. This Diversity took place in Bonn, Germany. Bio- is in recognition of the important conserva- diversity in the context of local government tion role local governments have as the level reached an important milestone at this confer- of government most directly responsible ence. ICLEI, the City of Bonn and the Service for implementation, and of the necessity of Agency Communities in One World organized healthy and functioning biodiversity for the a parallel event, the Mayors’ Conference on delivery of services to citizens. Local Action for Biodiversity. The conference served to promote the role of local authorities Kobie Brand, Launched in 2006, the highly successful 3 in conserving biodiversity in an increasingly Regional Director, ICLEI Africa year pilot project Local Action for Biodiversity urbanized world. Mayors and decision-makers (LAB) involved 21 cities globally, representing the Secretariat of the UN-CBD and the Inter- from local governments convened to demon- national Union for Conservation of Nature 6 continents, 15 countries, 54 million inhabit- strate their commitment to biodiversity. To- ants and a variety of different ecosystems. At (IUCN). Examples of progressive and innova- gether, they submitted the “Bonn Call for Ac- tive biodiversity management from around the 2009 ICLEI World Congress, the ICLEI tion” to the Ministers participating in the COP Council officially adopted LAB as a global the world were presented at the Congress and high-level segment and requested a multi- showcased a diverse range of cities including ICLEI program with the immediate aim of ex- level partnership for the global improvement panding it beyond the 21 pilot cities. Edmonton (Canada), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Seoul of biodiversity. This initiative led to an official (Republic of Korea), Barcelona (Spain), Wal- acknowledgment of local governments’ role vis Bay (Namibia), Brussels (Belgium), Cape in the UN Convention on Biological Diversity Town (South Africa), Montreal (Canada), and (UN-CBD) and led to CBD Decision IX/28, en- King County (U.S.A.). The Durban Commit- couraging the Parties (national governments) ment, which is a commitment and model by to promote the engagement of cities and local local governments for local governments to authorities. protect and enhance biodiversity at the local The biodiversity sessions at the 2009 ICLEI level, was a point of reference in each ses- World Congress focussed on the cooperation sion. Mayors from 21 local governments have between ICLEI and other organisations such as signed the Durban Commitment. www.iclei.org/biodiversity

Urban Nature Immediately prior to the 2009 ICLEI World Congress the Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) Project Team partnered with the City of Edmonton to hold the second international Urban Nature Forum. The forum provides an engaging platform for local governments, their partners and communities to meet, and to share and exchange experience, science and new directions in the field of biodiversity in the context of local government. Urban Nature was done with strong support from the City of Edmonton and other partners which included IUCN, the Secretariat of the UN-CBD, UNESCO, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Stockholm Resilience Centre, and the City of Montréal. The importance of this event was indicated by the caliber of the opening speakers: Edmonton’s Mayor Stephen Mandel, ICLEI President David Cadman, and UN-CBD Executive Secretary Ahmed Djoghlaf. The Forum was attended by LAB local governments and others, and focused on sharing lessons and discussions on: the role of international organisations; innovative approaches by local governments around the world; collaboration across spheres of government; and various specific topical issues. The occasion was also used to present and discuss the Singapore Index on Cities’ Biodiversity, a set of biodiversity indicators that LAB helped to develop. 6 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 7

the impact of local governments’ activities nicipalities to promote energy efficiency and Local Government Climate Roadmap in climate change mitigation. The report not the use of renewable energy. For example, the only quantifies the tangible improvements City of Betim set up the first Renewable Energy The Local Government Climate Roadmap, that Canadian local governments are making Reference Centre in Latin America. The center a process initiated at the UN Climate Change in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions has now developed into an essential source of Conference (COP 13) in Bali, December 2007, but also builds capacity within the local au- information on renewable energy and energy serves to work towards a strong and compre- thorities to measure, monitor and verify those efficiency, raising awareness among the lo- hensive post-2012 global climate agreement emissions. The 2009 report found that Can- cal population on how to reduce their energy that recognizes the role of cities and local adian municipalities have significantly reduced usage and providing examples of renewable governments in climate protection. The Road- greenhouse gas emissions and achieved sub- energy solutions. map process, facilitated by ICLEI – Local Gov- stantial cost savings. At time of printing the ernments for Sustainability, ensures that the 2009 Measures Report was not yet publically Since 2007, ICLEI with the City of Freiburg global local government associations UCLG available and specific measures data will be (Germany) has hosted a series of annual Lo- (United Cities and Local Governments), C40, available shortly at www.iclei.org/canada. cal Renewables conferences to inform and Metropolis and the World Mayors Council on mobilize local governments and their partners Climate Change (WMCCC) cooperate with Local Renewables about the potential of generating and using re- regional and national local government asso- newable energy at the local level. Local Renew- ciations to increase visibility at the UN climate Closely related to the CCP program is the Lo- ables Freiburg 2009 focused on urban policy negotiations, develop joint messages and pos- cal Renewables Initiative, through which ICLEI and planning for the post carbon age, green itioning on key issues, and express these to na- supports and strengthens local governments buildings – a cornerstone of sustainable cities, tional governments, the UN, media and other in the promotion, generation, and supply of and investing in the future. stakeholders. renewable energy and energy efficiency in the urban environment; focusing on the roles and Climate change was one of the priority issues The Roadmap process has brought local gov- responsibilities of local governments as the of the World Congress. Sessions focused ernments together at the UN Climate Change driving force for innovation and investment in mainly on ICLEI’s CCP and Local Renewables Conference (COP13) in Bali, December 2007. their communities. The project is funded by programs, which touched upon the import- At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP the German Ministry of Development Cooper- ance of reporting and monitoring GHG miti- 14) in Poznan, December 2008, ICLEI organ- ation. gation activities; and the responsibility cities ized the Local Government Climate Sessions must take to implement the use of renewables to discuss the role of cities in the implementa- ICLEI South Asia has worked with the Indian at the local level. Success stories were shared tion of a new global climate agreement. The cities of Bhubaneswar, Nagpur and Coim- by Mexico City (Mexico), Barcelona (Spain), Climate Sessions culminated in the presenta- batore to design three model communities and Copenhagen (Denmark). tion to the Conference of Parties of a draft text committed to the creation of local policy to for a decision on cities, local authorities and Additionally, participants were given the encourage energy efficiency and the use of re- climate change. The Roadmap will also bring Protecting the Climate, Reducing opportunity to look at future challenges of newable energy sources. To raise awareness of local governments to Copenhagen (Denmark) climate change as they relate to the CCP renewable energy solutions, ICLEI and the cit- during the negotiation phase of COP15, De- program. Delegates agreed that essential Emissions & Using Renewable Energy ies set up resource centers to provide informa- cember 2009. tion on energy efficiency and alternatives to elements in any new program must include fossil fuels. In addition, ICLEI South Asia car- ambitious targets, a joint framework and con- ICLEI has been present and will be present at CLEI’s Climate Program, consisting of the ICLEI Oceania ried out energy status and carbon emissions sistent measurement and reporting require- all intermediate UN negotiating talks to ad- Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Cam- inventories of cities and some pilot projects ments. Delegates accepted the invitation by vocate for the recognition of the key role that In 2008, 238 Australian councils, representing Ipaign (climate change mitigation), Climate with the aim of promoting renewable energy UNEP to partner on the Climate Neutral Net- Local Governments play when it comes to the approximately 84 per cent of the Australian Resilient Cities (climate change adaptation) and energy efficiency in Indian cities. Activ- work regarding the involvement of cities, ICLEI implementation of a strong and comprehensive population, participated in ICLEI’s CCP cam- and Local Renewables (climate change solu- ities ranged from installing solar water heaters and UNEP will launch the Climate Neutral Cit- post-2012 global climate agreement. paign. Of these, 184 councils reported cutting CCP Milestones tions) was launched in 1993 and has since in public hospitals to energy retrofits on build- ies network within the larger Climate Neutral their energy costs by USD 18.5 million and re- ICLEI will organize and facilitate a UN side continued to evolve as one of ICLEI’s core ings, temples, streetlighting, etc. Network. Finally, it was decided that through activities. Today, approximately 1,000 local ducing their emissions by 5.2 tons of carbon strong collaboration with ICLEI‘s regional event at COP 15 and set up a Local Govern- One: Conduct a baseline emissions governments participate in the core CCP Cam- dioxide-equivalent (CO2-e) – equal to taking Similar projects have been initiated in Latin offices, the Bonn based Cities Climate Cen- ment Climate Lounge to provide a continuous inventory and forecast paign, integrating climate change into their more than one million cars off the road. The America aiming to create an international net- ter will take a more active role in the design, advocacy presence to its Members and contrib- Two: Adopt an emissions reduction decision-making processes. reported emission reductions by CCP councils work of model communities and link it to other implementation and dissemination of further uting partners in Copenhagen. target for the forecast year in Australia has increased by 20 per cent be- relevant organizations concerned with renew- ICLEI action on climate change. More info at: Three: Develop a Local Action Plan ICLEI provides local governments with in- tween 2007 and 2008. able energy. In Brazil, ICLEI’s Latin America www.iclei.org/climate-roadmap Four: Implement policies and measures formation, tools and technical assistance on and Caribbean Secretariat also works with mu- www.iclei.org/climate Five: Monitor and verify results how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in In New Zealand, 34 councils participated in [email protected] the local community. The CCP enables local the Communities for Climate Protection pro- authorities to contribute significantly to na- gramme. The Communities for Climate Pro- tional efforts for greenhouse gas reduction tection – New Zealand Actions Profile 2009 – as well as to reduce their own costs for calculates the total reported and quantifiable “Cities, Local Authorities are energy. The achievements of the CCP have emission reductions from participating coun- ready to be part of the change, cils to be more than 440,000 tons CO2-e; also led to the development of new initiatives we want to be part of the change, on the standardization of local GHG emis- this means an ongoing annual abatement of sion inventories and renewable energy tools 146,938 tons CO2-e. we want to transform our cities, while at the same time helping to further lo- but we cannot do it if the national cal governments‘ climate advocacy. Local ICLEI Canada governments refuse to be part- governments participating in the Campaign The CCP campaign – run in Canada in partner- commit to undertake and complete five per- ners with us.” ship with the Federation of Canadian Munici- formance milestones. The CCP methodology palities as the Partners for Climate Protection provides a simple, standardized way of acting (PCP) Campaign worked with over 170 partici- David Cadman, ICLEI President, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to pating local governments in 2009. The 2009 Councillor, Vancouver, Canada monitor, measure, and report performance. PCP Annual Measures Report summarizes Participating in the roundtables and focus groups 8 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 9

Preparing for Climate Change EcoMobility: Reducing Dependency by Reducing Vulnerability on the Private Car

rapidly changing climate accompanied ICLEI’s Canada Office, in 2008, completed lessons, and a lot has been learned from the coMobility indicates an integrated form mentation of a successful EcoMobility strat- by higher temperatures, faster coastal a pilot project with three communities (St. Cities for Climate Protection campaign over of sustainable mobility that combines egy. Participants highlighted that no city can Aerosion and frequent storms is putting John’s, Greater Sudbury, Delta) to test the the last fifteen years. These lessons need to Ethe use of non-motorized and energy- become ‘ecomobile’ without making an im- cities at risk. Adaptation is action taken to cope ICLEI/King County/Climate Impacts Groups be applied across all levels of government, efficient means of transport with the use of portant investment in infrastructure for cyc- with these impacts; tackling existing problems climate adaptation guidebook ‘Preparing for reaching beyond current ICLEI Members to public transport, reducing car dependence for lists and pedestrians. Education and citizen and anticipating future changes. Examples of Climate Change’. Additionally, a review of include the broader global community. urban mobility. awareness campaigns were also discussed as such actions are adapting building standards adaptation actions in Canadian municipalities fundamental components of a successful Eco- for future extreme weather conditions and de- was carried out. In 2009, the office embarked Amongst the notable highlights of the ses- By founding, hosting and supporting the Mobility strategy. veloping community response plans for health on a project to develop a specific guidebook sions were achievements of various ICLEI Global Alliance for EcoMobility, an inter- risks associated with climate change. for adaptation planning for Canadian munici- regional offices in their climate related work: national cross-sectoral partnership commit- Discussions underlined local governments‘ in- palities. ICLEI Oceania has seen widespread success ted to EcoMobility, ICLEI is providing a strong terest in sustainable transportation as exem- Policy and decision-making that addresses with its Adaptive and Resilient Commun- contribution towards promoting EcoMobility plified in the many initiatives that are already means of transportation within the city (the climate change impacts must respond to the In 2009, ICLEI Oceania developed a ‘Local Gov- ities Program and Toolkit; ICLEI Canada has worldwide. happening both in developed and developing 2008 rate was 8%). inherent complexity and uncertainty of this ernment Climate Change Adaptation Toolkit’ a new pilot project and upcoming Canada countries. Given the strong desire to exchange ICLEI has mainly focused on spreading and issue, and requires a high level of sophistica- which uses a risk and opportunities manage- wide guidebook; and ICLEI Southeast Asia ideas on sustainable transportation and more The City of Tilburg, Netherlands, identified consolidating the concept of EcoMobility tion from risk management approaches and ment framework to address the impacts of cli- is involved in the Partnership for Urban Risk specifically on cycling, participants to the ses- the negative side effects of increased cycling: among local and global policy-makers, busi- strategic planning processes. ICLEI activities mate change. The Toolkit is the basis for ICLEI Reduction program. The cities of Delta (Can- sions urged ICLEI to consider extending the theft of bicycles and parking in non-appropri- ness representatives and users. in Climate Change Adaptation vary around the Oceania’s new capacity-building program ada), Melbourne (Australia), Itabashi (Japan), current EcoMobility campaign to provide an ate places (i.e: in 2008, 3600 bicycles were world and are tailored to the legislative needs called Adaptive and Resilient Communities, Dresden (Germany), and Durban (South Af- To pursue this, ICLEI has produced promo- exchange platform for cities on transportation illegally parked and removed from the city and climatic conditions of each location. which was launched in July 2009. Additionally, rica) shared their success stories. tional material; conducted research work, pre- related issues. center). There is a need to invest in bike park- the office has been involved in a series of Lo- ing facilities that will decrease the number of In 2008, ICLEI USA, together with King County Continued development of integrated ap- pared a series of factsheets; and participated Several city initiatives were highlighted cal Government Leadership Forums to bring thefts. Therefore, Tilburg is investing in guard- (WA) and the Climate Impacts Group has de- proaches to climate change is important and in international events on sustainable trans- during the sessions: together council representatives and scientist ed parking facilities in the city center (600 new veloped the guidebook ‘Preparing for Climate will be an exciting challenge for ICLEI and local port. to learn about planning for the impacts of cli- places open since the beginning of 2009). Change’ (2007), using a 5-milestone frame- governments. The City of Changwon, Republic of Korea mate change. At the World Congress, EcoMobility was one has been making major investments in infra- work for adaptation planning. To steer the The City of Koprivinka, Croatia pointed out of the thematic areas explored in both the for- structure for cycling and in education and direction of the offices newly created Climate The climate adaptation and resiliency sessions The ICLEI Council also endorsed a project the need to invest in green spaces (giving the mal sessions and roundtable breakouts. The awareness campaigns. Changwon also of- Resilient Communities Program, ICLEI USA at the 2009 World Congress focussed on local of convening all stakeholders for an annual streets back to people), remove barriers in topic focused on the importance of infrastruc- fers economic incentives to increase bike use has formed a Climate Resilient Communities adaptation, resilience to climate change and global forum on cities and adaptation to cli- buildings for people with reduced mobility, ture, education, and safety, while highlighting (reduced insurance rates for people who cycle Advisory Group to assist in designing the new local climate action in the “low-carbon” econ- mate change in Bonn, Germany with the first initiatives from cities around the world. and offer intensive educational programs. program. omy, post-2012. Experiences with ICLEI’s vari- edition Resilient Cities 2010 taking place from to work). The objective is that by 2020, 20% ous climate adaptation campaigns offer many 28 – 30 May, 2010.” A major theme in the sessions was the imple- of the population will use bikes as their main www.ecomobility.org www.iclei.org/adaptation 10 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 11

World Congress Mobile Workshops – Urban Sustainability in Practice

he mobile workshops during the World America‘s largest co-composting plant, a Urban Mobility Congress gave Edmonton an opportun- landfill gas recovery system, an e-waste recyc- Tity to showcase its local sustainability ling facility and a construction & demolition A joint venture between the City of Edmonton initiatives. Both community-based and mu- waste recycling operation. Edmonton has and the community, with support from Trans- nicipally managed projects and programs achieved some of North America’s highest port Canada, ICLEI, and the Global Alliance for were visited; taking participants out into the voluntary participation rates in recycling and EcoMobility, Parkallen is the first ecoMobility city and region of Edmonton to explore local waste reduction. community demonstration project in Canada. sustainability in action. The sharing of best Participants travelled by light rail transit to the practices and local initiatives is essential to Water host community, where they learned about broader efforts toward sustainable commun- various sustainable transportation initiatives ity development; encouraging learning and Edmonton has one of North America’s most underway in the City. They then visited the knowledge-sharing between cities, regions, progressive wastewater treatment facilities, neighbourhood and looked at some of the ac- and countries. The travelling workshops were the Gold Bar Plant, situated within a park in tivities and physical changes that have been organized by theme as follows: the river valley, with breathtaking views of the undertaken to create a uniquely Canadian entire site and the valley. The water workshops ecoMobile neighbourhood demonstration Biodiversity focused on creative approaches to managing project. The day also included presentations municipal water and waste water systems with and a discussion with local and international With 490 native boreal and prairie plant spe- tours of Edmonton’s innovative treatment fa- experts about the challenges and opportun- cies, over 150 species of birds and almost 50 cilities; and discussions around the challen- ities of creating an ecomobile neighbourhood. mammal species, Edmonton is rich in bio- ges and opportunities of maintaining smaller At the end of the afternoon participants cycled logical diversity. The three tours explored Ed- streams in an urban environment. A few back to the conference centre via bike routes monton’s river valley, nature centre, and rem- different natural, disturbed, and engineered and the river valley trail system. nant ecosystems. The river valley is the largest sites were visited throughout the city to dem- urban park in North America, connecting onstrate the City of Edmonton’s stormwater Local Food Systems 18,000 acres of river valley through a series of management initiatives. Delegates also had trails and water access points, providing spe- Sustainable Urban Development the opportunity to discuss their community’s With communities around the world facing ris- cies habitat, conservation, recreation and edu- water management experiences with other ing food costs, sustainable, local food produc- Three tours focussed on built form and sus- cational opportunities. The tour addressed delegates and local and international experts. tion is a critical component in overcoming this tainable development, exploring leading-edge the challenges this presents in working with a challenge and strengthening resiliency within design and technologies and discussing in- public and privately owned land base. the community. This workshop explored the novative approaches to constructing green environmental, economic and social aspects Edmonton is home to North America’s first buildings. Delegates were taken to a net-zero of local food production through a panel dis- municipal nature centre, where delegates vis- energy residence, and experienced two of cussion and visits to local examples of how ited the City’s only wildlife rehabilitation shel- Edmonton’s efforts to transform into a more Edmonton is “growing” food security. Discus- ter and nature-based school programs. The compact, attractive and sustainable city by vis- sions looked at how lessons learned from Ed- tours also explored conservation partnerships iting an inner city neighbourhood working to monton can be applied in other communities between government and non-profit organ- become sustainable, walkable and inclusive; worldwide? Participants learned from local izations by visiting rural sites of two remnant and another neighbourhood that is a model of producers, distributors and academics about ecosystems, a natural wetland and a peat- how smart growth, new urbanism and green some of the challenges and opportunities as- land area; before returning to the City to visit technologies can be used to covert former sociated with the transition to a more local, parkland areas that have been recovered from land uses (in this case a military base) into a resilient food economy. other uses. LEED certified neighbourhood. One of the tours examined how the adaptive Community Engagement reuse of buildings can help reduce environ- This community workshop showcased some mental impacts and provide opportunities Environmental Emergency of the emerging and established projects and for small businesses to reduce their carbon Management programs for stakeholder engagement cur- footprints; by minimizing the use of virgin re- rently operating in Edmonton. Participants To ensure an effective and coordinated re- sources and creating less construction waste. learned first-hand about the origin, logistics, sponse to an event or disaster, the City of Ed- Other sustainable workplace initiatives, such opportunities and implications of some of monton has established the Emergency Oper- as green transportation incentives and waste Edmonton’s most successful community ations Centre (EOC). There are over 300 staff management were also showcased. engagement programs. From recognition from city departments, partnering organiza- of grass roots, community based programs; tions and agencies that are trained to staff the Waste Management attendees gained a strong perspective on EOC during a major incident or disaster. An how to engage their own communities back This workshop highlighted both the challen- effective environmental emergency manage- home. Some of the topics covered between ges and the innovative solutions that Edmon- ment program must include a regular training participants, Edmontonians and international ton has developed to deal with solid waste by and exercise program. Delegates learned how experts were on replicable factors and best taking delegates on a tour of the Edmonton Edmonton works with the Province to ensure practices that could be applied by local gov- Waste Management Centre, North America’s the safety of the community. There was also ernments around the globe. largest collection of sustainable waste pro- a round table session where current mitiga- cessing and research facilities. The Centre tion, preparedness, response and recovery www.iclei.org/worldcongress includes a materials recovery facility, North programs were discussed 12 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 13

Managing Water Resources Sustainably

he Water Program focuses on local sources Management (IWRM). Eight councils on how to improve results in these areas. To- Knowledge and skill sharing, and public edu- solutions; and for solutions to successful, they government policies and practices that in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and gether with ICLEI, officials developed local ac- cation were identified as highly important need to be tailored to the needs of each com- Tmanage water resources in a sustain- Zimbabwe participated in the project, which tion plans for reaching these targets, including in managing urban water resources. To con- munity. able manner; meeting human needs for water took the Limpopo River basin as a pilot basin monitoring and evaluation of the progress. As clude, participants found that effective water supply and sanitation for current and future and generated information and guidance ma- a result of the programme, each city has pol- management is dependent on participation of Some innovative practices highlighted by generations. Since more sustainability can be terial on IWRM specifically tailored for local icy and methods in place for ensuring water the community and citizens, as they play an ICLEI Members include an environmentally- achieved through integrated and cyclical ap- governments in the SADC. conservation, quality and availability. People important part in both the problems and the friendly desalination process in Gran Canaria, proaches to water management, ICLEI works living in these communities now have access Spain that links water supply, renewables with its partners to scale up such approaches, In 2008, in collaboration with ICLEI‘s World to water and water losses are minimized. (wind energy), and agriculture; and a Carbon- thus reducing consumption and avoiding or Secretariat, ICLEI Africa concluded a three-year Free Water’ system in Sonoma County, USA, significantly decreasing pollution to water re- capacity building programme on Integrated During the water sessions at the 2009 World which will supply its customers with Carbon Governance in Water and Resource Manage- Congress water management links were made Free Water completely powered by renewable sources. water substitution, and community education; ment. The aim of this initiative was to ensure between various practices, many of which are sources by 2015. Suwon City (Rain City), Korea thereby ensuring water resource conservation The ICLEI Oceania Secretariat currently man- equal access to water and sanitation services within the grasp of cities to easily implement. is striving to achieve water self-sufficiency by and the delivery of improved water quality ages the largest local government level water in Uganda‘s Entebbe Municipal Council and Examples include green roofs; the formation incorporating rainwater-using facilities into to communities. Through these actions the program worldwide, providing support and Jinja Municipal Council and Zambia‘s Lu- of learning alliances as a way of making know- newly constructed buildings; and establishing councils managed to save almost 1.7 gigalitres technical information to participating coun- saka City Council, Chililabombwe Municipal ledge public and including the point of view rainwater storage and underground infiltra- of water – equalling a total of 670 Olympic- cils. Through this, councils can incorporate Council, Chongwe Municipal Council and Chi- of various stakeholders in the decision-making tion facilities. sized swimming pools. water quality protection and water conserva- bombo Municipal Council. ICLEI worked with and planning processes; establishing catch- ICLEI will continue to serve as a facilitator to tion into their daily operations. As of May Two main projects were successfully complet- local officials in these communities to expand ments to curtail the continually exacerbating help cities achieve increased political leader- 2009, 121 Australian councils participated in ed by ICLEI in Africa in 2008. The ICLEI Euro- their knowledge of methods and processes impacts of deforestation for urban develop- ship to bridge watersheds, municipal bound- the Water Campaign™. In 2008, 24 participat- pean and Africa Secretariats carried out the for the management of local water resources. ment, which results in flooding; and under- aries and administrative departments; making ing councils reported implementing a total of LoGo Water project to support local govern- This involved compiling inventories of existing taking flood risk assessments throughout the water policy more transparent and creating a 381 water management actions, including in- ments in the Southern African Development water consumption, conservation measures development process, since flood risk man- peer learning network. novative irrigation solutions, drinking-quality Community (SADC) with Integrated Water Re- and water quality, as well as identifying targets agement plans alone will not prevent floods. www.iclei.org/water 14 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 15

Assisting Local Authorities in Sustainabiltiy Management and Urban Governance

ogether with regions, cities and towns Bottom Line (TBL) Capacity Building Program, worldwide, ICLEI’s Sustainability Man- and eight public agencies participated in the Tagement & Governance Program de- Sustainability Reporting Alliance. Councils velops and applies instruments to integrate took part in a range of workshops, covering sustainability principles into municipal deci- topics such as sustainability review, sustain- sion-making. Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and ability planning and indicators, and sustaina- ecoBUDGET© are two key sustainability man- bility reporting. During the year, ICLEI Oceania agement instruments available to ICLEI Mem- also developed a Sustainability Integration As- bers. sessment Tool for Local Governments.

ICLEI developed ecoBUDGET, an environ- Together with a number of other partners, mental management system that applies ICLEI‘s European Secretariat ran the initiative principles and routines of financial budgeting ‚Managing Urban Europe 25‘. Through prac- to the management of natural resources. To tical work with local and regional governments assist local authorities in the implementation that included training, capacity building and of ecoBUDGET, ICLEI has produced manuals, applied research, the project has introduced guides, databases and templates.. Most re- a model of integrated management for local cently, ICLEI launched the ecoBUDGET Guide and regional sustainability to 25 cities and re- for Asian Local Authorities which assists offi- gions in Europe. A virtual library was created cials in implementing principles of sustainable with handbooks, guidance papers and check- management in their processes. The guide lists in multiple languages. Creating More Sustainable Consumption Patterns results from the ecoBUDGET Asia initiative ICLEI seeks to build sustainable communities which served to transfer experience with eco- and cities by enabling local governments to budgeting in European cities to municipalities achieve just, secure and healthy environments. CLEI’s Sustainable Procurement Program local and regional government representatives • Working with Young Municipal Leaders in Asia. assists public authorities in realizing the from across Europe to learn and exchange ex- and encouraging them to shape sustain- ICLEI‘s Latin America and Caribbean Secretar- Ludwigsburg, Germany has started reform- Ipotential for sustainability through existing periences on how to make smarter purchas- able procurement practises in their local Local governments are stewards of their mu- iat worked with communities in El Salvador ing its administrative process, based on 11 processes and activities related to procure- ing decisions and reduce their cities‘ energy governments; nicipality’s natural, built, social and economic and Ecuador to address social aspects of sus- central development themes based on public ment. Sustainable procurement is thinking and CO2 emissions. The seventh EcoProcura • Co-operating closely with businesses and capital. To effectively care for and manage tainability and trained over 100 representa- participation. These themes now define the carefully about what you buy, buying only what Conference took place in Reykjavik, Iceland their associations, using the potential of these assets, they need to ensure planning, tives from police to civil society organizations. structure of both the local government‘s de- you need, purchasing products and services in March 2009. It brought together over 220 sustainable procurement to act as launch reporting and decision-making adequately As a result of the program, observatories for partments and the municipal budget, which with high environmental performance, and delegates to discuss how sustainable public customer for new innovative products and address all spheres in an integrated way. Two public safety were established that track, mon- allows a maximum of transparency and easy considering the social and economic impacts purchasing practices can make a substantial services, contributing to an acceleration in programs were conducted in Australia to as- itor and evaluate crimes and violence as well monitoring of the local development. of a purchasing decision. contribution to climate change mitigation and market uptake of e.g. highly energy efficient sist councils integrate sustainability dimen- as accidents. adaptation. solutions and social responsibly produced sions into their planning, reporting and deci- The grassroots government in Ryde, Australia The sustainability management and govern- ICLEI works closely with public authorities at products and services; and sion-making processes. In 2008, twenty-one looks at community expectations to influence ance sessions focussed on the potential syn- the local, regional and national level to cre- ICLEI‘s European Secretariat has developed • Further developing a global expert directory, Australian councils participated in the Triple council decisions in achieving a triple bottom ergies between an integrated local sustainabil- ate more sustainable consumption patterns. sustainable procurement guidelines and tech- increasing exchange and knowledge trans- line approach to address social aspects in rela- ity management approach on the one hand, As the main driver, operating in Europe and nical specifications for the United Nations fer via the Procura+ Campaign. tion to sustainable ecological development. Latin America, the Procura+ Sustainable Pro- Environment Programme (UNEP). In 2008, and participatory governance practices and curement Campaign is an initiative designed ICLEI compiled purchasing guidelines for IT, Many local government examples were high- Local Agenda 21 on the other, in order to es- For sustainable development to be effective to support public authorities in implementing office equipment in UNEP‘s regional offices. lighted in the procurement sessions. For tablish continuous sustainable development citizens must be involved in sustainability sustainable procurement and to promote their Additional guidelines for stationary, furniture example, in Barcelona, Spain there are two across cities and regions. They reviewed two management practices. Governments must achievements. To date there are 29 Procura+ as well as cleaning products and services fol- sustainable procurement initiatives current- of ICLEI’s main programs, Local Agenda 21 realize the importance of urban processes, participants represent a population of over 25 lowed in 2009. ICLEI was also contracted by ly underway; one addresses clean vehicles (LA21) and Sustainability Management; explor- specifically in places with rapid urbanization million. ICLEI provided them with a manual the European Commission to develop a train- through a mix of procurement tools such as ing how they might work together if merged and incorporate sustainability education into that outlines management processes, legal ing toolkit for green public procurement. early market engagement and diversification into a program for Local Sustainability. Would all municipal processes. there be any merit in combining the best of guidance as well as purchasing criteria for six of the vehicle fleet using biofuels, natural gas www.iclei.org/smi product groups. In addition, ICLEI continues At the 2009 World Congress, session themes and electric drive while the other establishes both LA21 and sustainability management to manage the Procura+ Exchange a trilingual focussed on how to drive sustainability dialogue with companies to move toward so- tools to integrate environmental management information and exchange mailing list for all through procurement; success stories and the cially conscious and sustainable supply chains. into the social and economic development of professionals working in or with public au- future of sustainable procurement; identifying In Penrith, Australia a revolving fund from sav- cities? thorities to share their sustainable purchasing obstacles to sustainable procurement; and ings through life cycle costing and the use of The main approach discussed by delegates know-how and to broaden their expertise. The how to support the global roll-out of Procura+. green products has been established to sup- was the introduction of cyclical sustainability Exchange currently has over 230 people par- Suggested steps forward are: port other sustainability initiatives. management (the ICLEI ‚Sustainability Cycle‘) ticipate. In Calgary, Canada the monitoring and report- • The promotion of sustainable procurement consisting of regularly updated baseline re- ing activities are seen as crucial and vital to success stories through an international views, set targets, and forged political com- Further networking and exchange on best- keep sustainable procurement ongoing and ICLEI Sustainable Procurement Award; mitment. Likewise sessions touched on the practise takes place at the annual Procura+ secure support from politicians and decision • Transferring the knowledge and expertise importance of streamlining implementation, Seminars. The last one on ‚smarter engage- makers in the government. ment with the market‘ took place in Birming- on sustainable procurement gained in Eur- monitoring, and reporting in a way that incor- ham in November 2008. The Procura+ Semin- ope over the last 5 years to other regions www.iclei.org/procurement Mathis Wackernagel, porates business and public with an integrated ar was an opportunity for the 56 participating via the ICLEI regional offices; Global Footprint Initiative and reliable common set of indicators. 16 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 17

2008/2009 ICLEI Conferences, Workshops, and Publications

hroughout 2008 and in 2009, ICLEI demonstrate their commitment to biodivers- upporting the sustainability activities ments with examples of successful activities organized international conferences ity. Together, they submitted the “Bonn Call of local governments involves provid- which also serve as an incentive for additional Ton topics linking local governments to for Action” to national government Ministers Sing materials that combine knowledge municipalities to initiate similar measures. sustainability. The most notable event was the participating in the COP high-level segment. about processes in local government with Similar reports are published by other ICLEI World Congress 2009, with the following as environmental expertise. ICLEI provides and offices around the world. other examples: www.iclei.org/mayorsconference develops expertise through tools and publi- cations which provide a framework for local Local Government Operstions

ICLEI North American Regional authorities to plan, implement and evaluate Protocol Congress | Local Action Summit Halla International their sustainability activities. The following are 14 – 16 May 2008 Environmental Forum a few examples: In 2009, building upon 16 years of experience Albuquerque, U.S.A. 18 June 2008 through the CCP Campaign, ICLEI has de- Jeju Island, Republic of Korea Green Meeting Guide 2009 veloped the first version of the International More than 400 representatives of local gov- Local Government GHG Emissions Analysis ernments from across North America met to Over 500 representatives of local govern- To assist organizers and hosts of small- to Protocol (IEAP) that follows the principles discuss topics such as adaptation to climate ments, NGOs, academia and private compan- medium-sized meetings in greening their from the GHG Protocol of World Resources change, international collaboration for climate ies joined the forum to discuss strategies for Local Renewables Freiburg 2009 events, ICLEI, in cooperation with UNEP, de- Institute (WRI) and World Business Council action and energy efficiency, and to participate climate change mitigation and adaptation. 27 – 29 April 2009 veloped the Green Meeting Guide 2009. The on Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The in planning exercises and training sessions. Freiburg, Germany guide provides an introduction to greening www.iclei.org/korea Protocol sets a global standard for the inven- Recipients of ICLEI’s Milestone Awards for meetings, a practical checklist with detailed Representatives from local governments, non- tory of greenhouse gas emissions from both progress in the CCP 5-milestone methodology greening recommendations for the day-to-day Local Government profit organizations and the private sector government operations and community ac- were honored at the Climate Oscars Dinner. preparation of a meeting and a section on cli- convened in Freiburg to discuss urban policy tions. Similarly, ICLEI USA collaborated with The City of Santa Rosa, California, was award- Climate Sessions mate neutrality offering some proposals for a consortium of environmental organizations 9 – 11 December 2008 and planning for the post carbon age, green ed the 2008 Climate Innovation Invitational offsetting greenhouse gas emissions gener- to publish the US supplement of IEAP which is buildings, and investing in a sustainable fu- Davie Pearson, for its Aquatic Biomass to Fuel project. Poznan, Poland ated by a meeting. ture. Several of the finalists of the European called Local Government Operations Protocol Ontario Expert Panel on Climate Change Adaptation (LGOP). www.icleiactionsummit.org This parallel event to the UN Climate Change Green Capital Award, including the two first ecoBudget – An Introduction Conference COP-14 brought together local European Green Capitals, Stockholm and Mayors Conference government officials with representatives of Hamburg, gave presentations about the pro- for Mayors and Councillors Climate and Air Pollution national governments and international bod- Local Action for Biodiversity motion of Local Renewables within their cities. A concise brochure on ecoBUDGET published Planning Assistant (CAPPA) ies to discuss the role of cities in the imple- 26 – 28 May 2008 by UN-HABITAT, UNEP and ICLEI, focusing mentation of a new global climate agreement. www.local-renewables.org/freiburg2009 The Climate and Air Pollution Planning As- Bonn, Germany on a developing country context. The bro- More than 400 participants attended the Ses- sistant developed by ICLEI USA assists local chure introduces the concept of integrated sions which culminated in the presentation For a complete list of past and future events governments in planning measures to reduce This parallel event to the United Nations Con- resource management and the advantages of to the Conference of Parties of a draft text for organized by ICLEI around the world, please emissions associated with their municipal ac- vention on Biological Diversity COP-9 served ecoBUDGET to local decision makers, offering a decision on cities, local authorities and cli- visit our website at: www.iclei.org tivities. The tool provides a comprehensive to promote the role of local authorities in con- practical support to Mayors and Councillors in mate change. collection of emission reduction strategies, serving biodiversity in an increasingly urban- becoming true resource managers. ized world. Over 15O local government repre- based on which municipalities are able to de- www.iclei.org/poznan2008 sentatives from over 30 countries convened to velop a customized emission reduction plan. ecoBudget Guide for Asian The beta-test version of CAPPA was launched Local Authorities at the 2008 Local Action Summit in Albuquer- que, New Mexico. More than 100 ICLEI Mem- ICLEI‘s offices in South Asia, Southeast Asia bers signed up to beta-test the model. and Europe in collaboration with the muni- cipalities of Bologna (Italy), Växjö (Sweden), Green Public Procurement (GPP) Guntur (India) and Bohol Province (Philip- pines) produced the ecoBUDGET Guide for Training Toolkit Asian Local Authorities. ICLEI launched the The training toolkit delivers an introduction guide to assist Asian officials in implementing into the concept of green public procure- principles of sustainable management in their ment (GPP); sets out the immense potential decision-making processes. The guide results of GPP to improve environmental impacts of from the ecoBUDGET Asia initiative which consumption and production patterns and served to transfer experience with ecobudget- provides examples of GPP implementation in ing in European local governments to ones in practice. Asia.

Surveys of Local Climate ICLEI Canada Case Study Series Actions in Japan The case study series seeks to profile the work of municipalities across Canada to assist in The ICLEI Japan Office annually conducts sur- the sharing of knowledge throughout Canada veys of local climate action and publishes the and globally. The series covers topics ranging results, trends and analyses of local initiatives from land use management to urban govern- in Japan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ance and will aim to provide an overview of The 2008 survey reported a total of 360 ac- best practices with lessons learned from the tions taken by local governments across Japan. initiatives. Existing case topics include: sus- For a complete list of publications released By compiling the survey of emission reduction by ICLEI around the world, please visit our ICLEI World Congress 2009 tainable transportation, emergency response, measures, ICLEI Japan provides local govern- and sustainable procurement. global website at www.iclei.org 18 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 19

World Congress Roundtables Report Local Motion Report:

nderlining the importance of meeting An additional 13 roundtable sessions occurred Edmonton and the World Congress in small groups with peers, the 2009 simultaneously where participants joined ex- UWorld Congress incorporated a new perts from the business, academic and NGO discussion element into the program to as- sectors to examine the global scenarios pre- ne of Edmonton’s many notable sess how global challenges can be translated sented at the morning plenary and look at achievements in sustainability is Lo- into parameters for local action. Participants their implications for cities and communities. Ocal Motion a pilot project with the Edmontonians Engage in Sustainability chose one of several roundtables according These sessions addressed the same aforemen- Global Alliance for EcoMobility and ICLEI. to a variety of themes. Each discussion was tioned questions and focussed on broader Supported by Transport Canada, Edmonton facilitated by a table host and attended by a issues of long-term planning; climate change received funding for the community pilot pro- EcoVision Edmonton is the vision for an environmentally sustainable city. Go Green! rapporteur researcher to ensure that import- adaptation; various implications of urban de- ject that aims to promote flexible work hours It‘s Our Nature is the theme of a campaign to encourage citizens to take more environ- ant outcomes were captured for feedback into velopment, sustainability and eco-footprint- and alternative modes of transport, such as the Congress. Each table discussed the same ing; and how cities will meet the challenges walking, cycling, public transit and carpooling mentally friendly actions to reduce Edmonton‘s environmental footprint; encouraging key questions: ahead. Discussions in each group reached a in a demonstration neighbourhood in the city. teamwork between residents, businesses and the City. consensus that action, leadership, persuasion This unique collaboration between the City • How will global developments impact our and motivation based on the best available and the neighbourhood of Parkallen to trans- local community? In conjunction with the ICLEI Congress, a Community Program supporting community- knowledge are keys for successful transitions form that neighbourhood into an EcoMobile • How do we arrive at a localization of global based initiatives, events and activities raised awareness and engaged Edmontonians in towards sustainability. community is the first of its kind in the world. scenarios? sustainability. These environmental themed events and activities included art exhibits, sci- The month long community demonstration • Have our planning processes been far- To compliment and build upon discussions project, was hosted in the Parkallen commun- ence and technology awards programs, a bicycle rally, musical performances, a speaker reaching enough? and and ideas raised in the roundtable sessions, ity to set an example for other cities around series, educational outreach, a neighbourhood green challenge and a commuter challenge, • Are our current frameworks for strategic the final parallel sub-plenaries focused on the world. The project encouraged the use of just to name a few. planning and management up to the chal- “local solutions for tomorrow”. The themes travel options which are healthy, accessible lenge? addressed were governance and planning and flexible, good for the environment and en- solutions for an integrated eco-city approach; “That’s Edmonton for You!” featured a collection of new songs about sustainable com- courage vibrant and livable neighbourhoods. The Mayor and CEO roundtables saw muni- mobility; building and construction; energy; munity, collaboratively composed and performed by leading members of Edmonton’s indie cipally elected officials reflect on the appro- local viable economies; and low carbon soci- The community was highly involved in the de- priateness of governance, policy making and rock scene. There was also a free afternoon of new music on Sunday, June 14 at Louise eties in Asia. These sessions translated global sign of the project, which included: McKinney Riverfront Park, just next to the Congress venue. management systems and practices for ad- challenges into local opportunities by delving dressing the challenges of urbanization and into advanced solutions and discussing how • A Local Motion launch party peak resources under themes of: Managing ICLEI and its approaches can provide guid- • Bike Try It Library at the Parkallen Our Footprint; Localizing Global Scenarios; ance. Community League rink shack The Value of Ecosystems; and Large Cities & • Eco-Kids @ the Park Spring playground Metropolitan Areas. program • Local Motion Tool Kit with information, incentives and prizes • Wednesday Walks Researchers’ Sumposium • Workshops and “Learn To…” programs • School programs and events: Walking School Bus, Phys-ed activities As a side event to the Congress, delegates involved in research activities or interested in • Weekly “take back the street” road closures the interaction between research and policy were invited to participate in the ICLEI Re- • Saturday morning bike convoys to the searcher Symposium. The symposium, organized by the University of Alberta, brought to- market • Sidewalk art & banners gether over 50 established researchers in the field of local sustainability in a series of plen- ary presentations and two roundtable sessions where participants broke-out into smaller The Local Motion project was highlighted groups for facilitated discussion. during the World Congress with a visit to the Parkallen Community during one of the mo- Topics addressed at the research symposium included: bile workshops, where participants engaged with a resident of the neighbourhood and act- · Research and teaching on the public health implications of ecological integrity; ively participated in ecomobility themselves, · The challenge of making urban areas more sustainable through new urban taking light rail transit to the community and development and how governance can shape such urban development; cycling back to the conference centre. · Research on how cities vary in their need to respond to the issues of climate change and peak oil; · Social factors affecting development and sustainable use of resources;and Eco-footprint Challenge Winners · Past and present lessons regarding research and local action for sustainability. Peter Chapman and fiancée Katie Barnett were the lucky winners of a draw for a one-year lease of Resulting from the Symposium, participating researchers brought forward an item to the a Toyota Prius Hybrid from the City of Edmonton‘s Zerofootprint Edmonton Challenge. The Prius ICLEI Council announcing that funding was available for a provisional researchers net- was the grand prize in the challenge created by Mayor Stephen Mandel to encourage Edmonton work on local government sustainability and the the secretariat would be housed within citizens to improve their environmental footprint. Peter and Katie have made a number of environ- the University of Alberta. Researchers also expressed an interest in having the researcher mental changes in their everyday lives and plan to have a “green” wedding by purchasing power symposium play a bigger part in the next ICLEI World Congress. Mark Roseland, and carbon flight offsets, using organic cotton and using recycled metals in Peter‘s wedding ring. Simon Fraser Univeristy 20 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 21

Future Projects and Partnerships The 2009 Council Meeting –

CLEI embarked on several new projects at points a Task Force to investigate the specific in and what they would like more information Setting a strategic course for ICLEI the 2009 World Congress, moving forward needs of Global South members and develop on. This resulted in a set of cards highlight- Iin its efforts to help local governments a Program and Plan of Action for the Global ing existing best practices; where to find more achieve their goals in working toward global South, to be mainstreamed in the ICLEI Stra- information to move forward with initiatives; n June 18 2009, the triennial meet- sustainability. tegic Plan. and suggestions to harmonize standards. The ing of the ICLEI Council was held in WEF has proposed three possible areas of col- Edmonton, Canada. The meeting, ICLEI’s four regional offices in Asia announced O The United Nations Environment Programm laboration with ICLEI, in continuation of the chaired by newly re-elected ICLEI President the formation of ICLEI Asia, a unit to serve and ICLEI will partner on the Climate Neutral SlimCity initiative: 1) the digitization and dis- David Cadman was attended by 115 Members. Asian local governments. Currently 10% of Network (CNN) regarding the involvement of tribution of card sets to facilitate discussion The meeting was held to set the strategic dir- ICLEI Members are in Asia, yet they represent cities, ICLEI and UNEP will launch the Climate and idea generation among ICLEI Members; ection for ICLEI and offer an opportunity for 39% of the total population served by ICLEI Neutral Cities network within the larger CNN. 2) use the card sets as a basis to develop and Members to comment on and endorse the worldwide. The concept of ICLEI Asia will be ICLEI is proud to share its 18 year experience share solutions; and 3) continue engagement document Cornerstone for an ICLEI Strategy developed throughout 2009. in local climate action planning to motivate in WEFs Global Agenda Council on Urban 2009 – 2015. The Local Action for Biodiversity program of- cities to go down the path towards climate Management to look at how global govern- The ICLEI President opened the meeting by ficially moved beyond its pilot project stage to neutrality.” ance occurs. presenting the members of the newly elected be adopted as a global ICLEI Program, with Lastly, the Young Municipal Leaders gather- Executive Committee 2009-2012: the ICLEI Africa Secretariat appointed to lead ing brought councillors, mayors, and leaders the initiative and facilitate ICLEI international active in youth groups and political parties to- David Cadman, coordination. ICLEI will work in close cooper- gether to discuss the creation of a global net- Councillor, Vancouver, Canada (President) ation with the IUCN in further planning, de- work for Young Municipal Leaders as a means Martha Delgado Peralta, veloping and implementing the biodiversity to empower Young Leaders to make change Environmental Secretary, Mexico City, program, and will continue to partner with the cities that contributes to tangible improve- Mexico (Vice President) UN-CBD Secretariat. ments in global sustainability. With support Another significant highlight included the of the ICLEI World Secretariat, the network Stephen Kabuye, ICLEI Members voting at the 2009 Council Meeting approval of the Global South resolution. A would develop and implement an action plan Mayor, Entebbe, Uganda proposal was put forth to the ICLEI Coun- and program to engage young leaders in ma- (Immediate Past Vice President) jor international sustainability events; increase Dieter Salomon, At the Council Meeting, ICLEI Members en- cil to improve its effectiveness as a global Per Bodker Andersen, the voice of young leaders within ICLEI; con- Mayor, Freiburg, Germany dorsed ICLEI to take on several new projects, movement, association and agency for the Mayor, Kolding, Denmark moving forward in its efforts to help local gov- local governments of the Global South. This The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) SlimCity sult young leaders on the development of Martin J. Chaves, Eduardo Jorge Alves Sobrinho Martins, ernments achieve their goals in working to- proposal proposes the following: ICLEI re- initiative began with the realization that the ICLEI strategies and major projects; as well as increase the sharing of knowledge and best Mayor, Albuquerque, U.S.A. Secretary Environment Sao Paulo, Brazil) ward sustainability and expand the global net- gions from the Global South grow their ICLEI forum had a role to play in bringing all of the work. Specific initiatives that were launched practices through the provision of links and Kim, Yong-Seo, membership and activities; the ICLEI World information around climate change discus- Ra, Jin-Goo, at the session include: the development of Secretariat actively pursue opportunities for sions into a digestible format. In 2008 the exchange opportunities at the regional and Vice Mayor, Seoul, Republic of Korea Mayor, Suwon City, Republic of Korea global level. a Program and Plan of Action for the Global annual regional meetings of its Global South WEF worked with ICLEI on a joint survey to South, establishment of ICLEI’s Biodiversity Daisaku Kadokawa, The meeting continued with a presentation on members; the ICLEI Executive Committee ap- find out which issues cities are most interested Program, creation of a Young Municipal Lead- Mayor, Kyoto, Japan the strategic outcomes of the World Congress ers Working Group, and the launch of ICLEI summarized in five key messages: Stephen Mandel, Asia. Specific information on these future Mayor, Edmonton, Canada projects and partnerships can be found on Radical change requires radical decision- page 20 of this report. Peter Matic, makers! Radical means: faster, deeper, and Councillor, Brisbane, Australia more far reaching than anything we have done Aniruddhe Mukerjee, thus far! Secretary of Transport and Managing Understand it, Localize it, Customize it, and Director, Gwalior, India Humanize it! Understand the global chal- Jyrki Myllyvirta, lenges, localize impacts and customize solu- Mayor, Lahti, Finland tions, and humanize the global challenges so citizens feel that they too need to be part of a Marian Nieuwoudt, worldwide effort. Councillor, Cape Town, South Africa Integrated action - peak everything! The Pam O’Connor, global crisis of “peak everything” requires Mayor Pro Tempore, Santa Monica, U.S.A. us to look at all issues in an integrated way Cathy Oke, – water, energy, biodiversity, planning, land- Councillor, Melbourne, Australia use, waste, and governance. Margaret Pageler, Make the business case - make the political/ Urban Sustainability Advisor, Seattle, U.S.A. election case! Money talks: this means that figures and financials can act as important Hansa Patel, rationales and justifications for sustainable Executive Director, All India Institute for strategic directions. Local Self Government, India Behavioral changes and production patterns: Harvey Ruvin, change them! Balance democratic access to Clerk of the Courts, Miami-Dade County, Gino Van Begin, goods and services with their energy and re- Inaugural meeting of the Young Municipal Leaders Initiative U.S.A. Deputy Secretary General source efficiency. Regional Director for Europe 22 ICLEI World Congress Final Report Final Report ICLEI World Congress 23

Thank you... Merci...

ICLEI is particularly indebted to Stephen Mandel, Mayor of Edmonton for the gracious hosting of the Congress by his City. We also owe countless thanks to Barry Anderson, Manager of the Office of Environment and Energy for his unwavering commitment to making this Congress such a success. Likewise ICLEI would like to thank the entire Edmonton Local Host Committee for its commitment to bringing the Congress to Edmonton and all of the local sponsors who helped to make the Congress a reality. Finally, we would like to extend a very warm and heartfelt thank you to Chris Buerger, without whom the on-the-ground logistics could not have happened! Likewise thank you goes to Monika Zimmermann and the entire staff of the International Training Centre for their continued work with the City of Edmonton in the many months and years, prior to the 2009 World Congress. We would also like to extend a very warm and heartfelt thank you to Chris Buerger, without whom the on-the-ground logistics could not have hap- pened! This report is available electronically on the ICLEI website, www.iclei.org.

Acknowledgements Publisher ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, World Secretariat Authors Ewa Ciuk, Thomas Colonna, Natalie Ethier Photos For additional information visit: City of Edmonton and ICLEI www.iclei.org Design and Layout Rebekka Dold, Freiburg, Germany Copyright Printer © 2009, ICLEI World Secretariat, Xxx xxx xxx Toronto, Canada Paper All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or Printed on FSC-certified paper from well-managed forests, copied in any form or by any means without written permission of Highlights from World Congress Social Events FSC Mix Recycling RePrint ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, World Secretariat.

ngaging conversations that began dur- of Calgary and the Federation of Canadian Mu- ing commitment to sustainable transporta- ing the day continued into the evening nicipalities. A fantastic meal was coupled with tion. Afterwards, delegates had the option Esocial events that showed the best of a selection of entertainment highlighting the of attending a special sustainability themed what Edmonton had to offer. Participants multicultural nature of the Province of Alberta pecha kucha night merging creativity, sustain- were treated to the best of what Edmonton and Canada, ranging from African drummers ability and entertainment. had to offer. to Ukrainian dancers to Scottish bagpipers the entertainment highlighted the diversity of the Wednesday’s day of intense dialogue and After a full first day of the Congress delegates local community! roundtables ended with a trip back in time were invited to an opening reception at the to Fort Edmonton. Participants were treated Convention Centre with the introduction of After being on the move Tuesday, participants to sights from around the city, province and the 2009-2012 Executive Committee. Dele- gathered in Edmonton City Hall for a recep- country. gates mingled sampling local hors d’oeuvres tion and presentation of the gifts to the City and wines. On Monday, after an intense day of Edmonton. Mayor Mandel was presented of presentations and workshops participants with an assortment of “ecomobile” gifts which gathered for a formal dinner hosted by the City were meant to underscore the city’s unwaver- www.iclei.org