World Wilderness Forum, Day 1

Today is the first day of WILD9! The Congress kicks off with three days of the World Wilderness Forum consisting of full-day plenary sessions, in keynote format with no question/answer sessions. The opening day of the Congress includes:

• An introduction by WILD9 Chairman, Dr. Exequiel Ezcurra, with blessings and welcome messages from local representatives and Co-Chairman of the 8th World Wilderness Congress (Alaska, 2005), Byron Mallott;

• Presentations by Vance G. Martin, Ian Player (video) and Bittu Sahgal on the importance of the World Wilderness Congress;

• Global perspectives by Tashka Yawanawa (Indigenous leader, Brazil); Dr. Jane Smart(IUCN) and representatives of the youth and young professional program;

• Presentations on Climate Change by Dr. Mario Molina, Dr. Amory Lovins and Illarion Merculief;

• The Importance of Wilderness “Tierras Silvestres” for Latin America, by leading policy specialists and government officials;

• Multi-media presentation of the Yucatan RAVE (Rapid Assessment Visual Expedition); and,

• Much much more!

Evening Events, 8pm onward WILD9 – The Official Global Welcoming Ceremony with a very special stamp cancellation ceremony, featuring the first stamp series on international wilderness areas, welcome messages from leading Mexican officials including (proposed) His Excellency, The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon Hinojosa (doors close at 1930 for security), the launch of a new book on Mexico’s Protected Areas and a reception for delegates.

Download the full Friday schedule >