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1 August 2008

All media is invited to the third National Women and Environment Conference which will take place at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane, Limpopo province from 13 to 15 August 2008. More than 600 delegates are expected to attend, including African Ministers for environment. The theme for this conference is "All Hands on Deck: Women Leading Solutions for Environmental Sustainability".

The main purpose of this conference is to share experiences, best practice and knowledge on initiatives through which women and young people throughout the world and in South Africa are leading solutions for environmental sustainability. Case studies on successful environmental management and sustainable development projects which are benefiting ordinary women and young people throughout the country will be presented during the thematic sessions of this conference.

"The interactive sessions will focus on biodiversity and food security, climate change, waste management, air pollution as well as alternatives for affordable and clean energy. The conference is expected to give direction on how the co-ordination of the work programmes of various institutions for women and youth within the environmental sector could be integrated and streamlined to maximise benefits and share resources," said Departmental Spokesperson, Mr Mava Scott.

This conference will also bear testament to the progress that government and its stakeholders have made in ensuring that South African women take charge of the environment and are truly empowered to take environmental action. This is in line with the resolutions adopted during the First and Second National Women and Environment Conferences which were held in 2005 and 2006.

South Africa as the co-Chair of the Global Network for Women Ministers and Leaders of Environment is the first country in Africa to initiate a national forum to create dialogue and empower local women to deal with environmental challenges.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi will give a keynote address and account on how government has empowered poor communities through, inter alia, its social responsibility programme which has to date contributed millions of rands to fund projects that benefit women and young people through job creation and skills development in the environment and tourism sectors.

The Premier of Limpopo province, Mr Sello Moloto will give an opening address at this conference which will be attended by women and young people from the business community, government, academics, con-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, civil society as well structures representing the youth and people with disabilities.

Senior delegates from the international organisations such as the Gender Division of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Women's Environment and Development Organisation will also address this conference.

Conference details:
Date: 13 to 15 August 2008
Venue: The Ranch Hotel, Polokwane, Limpopo province

RSVP:
Judith van der Merwe
Tel: 012 310 3309
Cell: 083 321 2617
E-mail: jvdmerwe@deat.gov.za

The department has made provision to transport and accommodate a limited number of journalists interested in attending this conference. Kindly RSVP by 8 August 2008.

To access the draft programme please visit http://www.environment.gov.za/HotIssues/2008/WEC/wec.html

To schedule media interviews contact:
Moses Rannditsheni
Spokesperson for the Deputy Minister
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: mrannditsheni@deat.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
1 August 2008
Source: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (http://www.deat.gov.za)