Extinction of species on agenda

BANGKOK – The extinction of species and diseases like bird flu are among environmental problems to be tackled by thousands of delegates at a global conference later this year, organisers said this week.

More than 3 000 activists, scientists and government officials are expected in Bangkok for the November 17 to 25 meeting of the World Conservation Union, known by its French acronym IUCN, the Swiss-based group said in a statement. “How can our planet meet the needs of growing populations and expanding markets without sacrificing nature? This question will be at the heart of the debate” at the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress, the statement said.The IUCN, created in 1948, includes 76 countries, 114 government agencies, more than 800 non-governmental organisations and about 19 000 scientists and experts from 181 countries.Its mission is to conserve the environment and promote sustainable development.Delegates at the Bangkok meeting will search for solutions to problems like the loss of species and ecosystems, poverty, globalisation and related health concerns, the group’s statement said.Topics will include finding out what triggered the spread of the avian flu virus, which devastated poultry farms in several Asian countries this year and killed a total of 24 people in Thailand and Vietnam.- Nampa-AP”How can our planet meet the needs of growing populations and expanding markets without sacrificing nature? This question will be at the heart of the debate” at the 3rd IUCN World Conservation Congress, the statement said.The IUCN, created in 1948, includes 76 countries, 114 government agencies, more than 800 non-governmental organisations and about 19 000 scientists and experts from 181 countries.Its mission is to conserve the environment and promote sustainable development.Delegates at the Bangkok meeting will search for solutions to problems like the loss of species and ecosystems, poverty, globalisation and related health concerns, the group’s statement said.Topics will include finding out what triggered the spread of the avian flu virus, which devastated poultry farms in several Asian countries this year and killed a total of 24 people in Thailand and Vietnam.- Nampa-AP