Tuesday, June 3, 2014

United Nations Environment Programme releases report on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

MEDIA ADVISORY

United Nations Environment Programme releases report on
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)


SARASOTA, FLORIDA/ WASHINGTON, D.C.— On World Environment Day, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will release the SIDS Foresight Report. The report outlines 20 key emerging challenges and opportunities facing these nations and coastal communities —such as the disproportionate impact of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and forests, and overfishing. It also demonstrates how SIDS can transition to an inclusive green economy and ensure a sustainable prosperous future.

Emerging environmental and socio-economic issues, such as the impacts of climate change and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme events, threaten sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). According to the new report, adopting green economy approaches can ensure future prosperity,

WHAT: Press Conference launching UNEP report on Small Island Developing States
Key findings will be highlighted and a question and answer session will follow

WHEN: Thursday, June 5, 2014 09:00-10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time)

WHERE: Mote Marine Laboratory
Keating Marine Education Center
New Pass Gallery, 3rd Floor
1599 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, Florida 34236

WHO: Opening remarks by Carolyn Mason, Sarasota County Commissioner
Report summary by Patricia Beneke, Regional Director, UNEP Regional Office for North America
Q&A moderated by Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Community forum portal: www.mote.org/wedforum and www.mote.org/wedforumyoutube
Live on Access Sarasota on Comcast cable (ch19) and Verizon cable (ch32)

For more information, contact: Elisabeth Guilbaud-Cox, Head of Communications at UNEP Regional Office of North America, Tel: (202) 812-2100; E-mail: elisabeth.guilbaud-cox@unep.org

Reporters and media agencies interested in attending the press conference, please contact Sarasota County Media Relations at (941)-861-6397 or news@scgov.net to register and ensure AV/technical assistance can be accommodated.