Return to:
Index of "Environment and Science" ||
Electronic Research Collections Index ||
ERC Homepage
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
95/APRIL EARTH DAY 25 EVENT AT THE CSD-III
EARTH DAY 25 EVENT AT THE CSD-III:
THE FORESTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INGENUITY
OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES - SUCCESS STORIES
SUMMARY
A special presentation and reception in honor of Earth Day 25
focusing on environmental success stories of native communities in the
U.S. and throughout the Western Hemisphere*. The U.S. Delegation to
Third Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development, principals,
native group representatives and other special guests celebrate
contributions to sustainable development of indigenous groups of the
Americas. The event will include exhibits, films, and a special dance
performance.
PURPOSE
Several indigenous groups in the Americas offer keen insights
about sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and management
of natural resources. Learning about these practices and perspectives
can help us improve our environmental stewardship. Furthermore, the
United States, given the sophisticated legislation and experience of the
Native Americans, has much to share with the international community and
domestic audiences on the subject. The CSD conference and the 25th
anniversary of Earth Day are fitting occasions to advance this theme of
cooperation toward a sustainable future.
PARTICIPANTS & FACILITATORS
Department of State (Ambassador Mark Hambley, Special
Representative to the CSD), Department of Interior (Bureau of Indian
Affairs), USDA, USUN, AID; representatives of selected indigenous groups
throughout the Hemisphere*; non-governmental organizations supporting
indigenous environmental initiatives.
WHERE
United States Mission (12th Floor) to the United Nations,
799 United Nations Plaza, New York City.
WHEN
During the Commission on Sustainable Development meeting (3rd
Session). April 20th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
SUCCESS STORIES
*Some examples of success stories illustrating the convergence of
conservation, principled behavior and innovative economic progress
include: 1) revitalization of tropical forests in Panama by the Kuna;
2)innovative forestry by the Menominee tribe in Wisconsin; 3)
sustainability practices of the Haisla in British Columbia, Canada; 4)
Hoopa Tribe involvement in the Old Growth Forests of the North West; 5)
rituals and dance by representatives of the Quichua Indians of Ecuador.
CONTACT LIST FOR CSD-III/EARTH DAY 25/FORESTRY OF INDIGENOUS GROUPS
Government
Interior-
Cathy Washburn (#208-3101 FAX501-8901)
Will give proposal to Babbitt's COS Monday; if not Babbitt, maybe Ida
Deer (head of Bureau of Indian Affairs); will speak middle of next week
USUN-
Bisa Williams (#4-4296 FAX4-9141)
She says that would need an official proposal sent up. It's something
Amb Victor Morario may be interested. They don't generally have money
for this kind of thing. The logistics can work.
AID-
Dan Putterman (703-875-4622)
Biodiversity prospecting; has info on some success stories (Mike Benge
for example is sending over Jan '94 report called Natural Resources
Management on Tribal Lands; also examples b/w groups & private sector-
Chile/Argentina American Cyanamid/Posters/Joshua Rosenthal NIH #301-402-
6522)
Other contacts: Jeff Brokah (Summit of the Americas); Mike Philly; Twig
Johnson.
U.S. Forest Service-
Walter Donne (205-4972)
Very involved with efforts here and internationally pertaining to
forestry and indigenous groups; he's organized workshops on the subject.
World Bank-
Shelton Davis (473-3413)
engaged
UNDP-
Paul Amar
USIA-
Tom Mullins
A worldnet on indigenous groups in Latin Americas (we have the Video)
Organizations
Amazon Coalition-
Melina Selverston(637-9718)
good ideas of stories, potential speakers and materials; Mtg. Wednesday
Inter-American Diologue-
Donna Lee Van Cott(822-9022)
Mtg. Wed
Rain Forest Action Network
Sharon Wright
stories; video
Others-
Conservation International, World Resources Institute
National Museum of the American Indian, Indian Law Center, Inter-
American Foundation, Healing Forest Conservancy
Private Sector Contacts- Pharmaceutical Companies
To the top of this page