World Wetlands Day 2001: UK, Northern Ireland

River Conservation Conference

Lovia Maguire (Olivia.Maguire@doeni.gov.uk) reports that "The Minister launched the Environment and Heritage Service River Conservation Strategy on Friday 2 February at the Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown. The date for the launch was chosen to coincide with World Wetlands Day and the opportunity was taken to run a one-day River Conservation Conference. One hundred and thirty eight delegates attended the conference, which received both BBC and UTV television coverage. The strategy is available from EHS and is on the EHS website. http://www.ehsni.gov.uk A report of the conference and workshops will be available next month.

For further information on the conference, contact Bob Davidson either by Tel: 028 90546549, Fax: 028 90546660, E-mail: bob.davidson@doeni.gov.uk or by post to Countryside and Coast, Environment and Heritage Service, Commonwealth House, 35 Castle St. Belfast BT1 1GH."

Valuing and protecting our rivers

In Northern Ireland, Environment and Heritage Service is launching a River Conservation Strategy and hosting a river conservation conference to mark World Wetlands Day. The conference will be held in Cookstown close to the Ballinderry River recently designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a candidate Special Protection Area.

What are the aims?

• To launch the EHS River Conservation Strategy
• To discuss the natural and built heritage value of rivers
• To set out the role of EHS in river conservation activities
• To generate an open debate on river conservation issues

Who will be attending?

• Representatives from recreational, community and historical groups with an interest in rivers
• Representatives from central and local government Departments and agencies
• Non-government organisations
• Environmental organisations
• Freshwater and fisheries scientists

For further information on the conference contact Bob Davidson either by Tel: 028 90546549, Fax: 028 90546660, E-mail: bob.davidson@doeni.gov.uk  or by post to Countryside and Coast, Environment and Heritage Service, Commonwealth House, 35 Castle St. Belfast BT1 1GH