Community

and Ecosystem Resilience in North America July 9-11, 2012

Please join us for the annual meeting of the Council of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) from July 9-11, 2012. Your participation will be a valuable contribution to this years meeting, which focuses on initiatives to improve our shared environment. Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is hosting this years meeting in New Orleans, Louisianaher hometown. Each year the CECs Councilthe federal environment ministers from the NAFTA region: Canadas Environment Minister Peter Kent, Mexicos Environment Secretary Juan Elvira Quesada and Administrator Jacksonmeet to discuss the agenda for environmental cooperation in North America. This years meeting will look at the environmental health of North Americas communities and ecosystems, and fostering resilience in the face of a changing environment. As part of this, there will be discussions on issues of environmental justice, ecosystem conservation, adaptation to climate change and the importance of sustainable and resilient urban communities. The CECs Joint Public Advisory Committee of 15 citizen representatives from the three North American countries will also host a special hands-on workshop to propose solutions to these challenges on July 9 and 10. This workshop is free-of-charge and open to the public. In addition, this years session offers a variety of opportunities to engage with project partners and leaders on critical issues. On July 11, for the first time, the council session will feature an open forum with the three government ministers and local leaders taking action in their communities. It is an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage and promote innovative ideas that will enrich the ongoing dialogue on how communities across North America can take action. Also new this year, the North American Environment Fair, will be a chance to meet some of the CECs community-based project partners, including groups who received grants earlier this year under the CECs North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA). We would also like to invite you to participate in a welcoming reception on Tuesday, July 10 at 7 pm. The reception will be held at Gallier Hall with the ministers and honorary guests, including the Mayor of New Orleans, making opening remarks. Please sign up for this free event by registering today to participate either in person or online at http://www.cec.org/council2012. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.org/CECconnect) and Twitter @CECweb (hashtag #CEC12), where you can get updates, ask questions or share your comments and ideas, or write us at info@cec.org Location Intercontinental New Orleans 444 St. Charles Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Phone: (504) 525-5566 Fax: (504) 523-7310