Sydney Showground is proud to have played a major part in November’s IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) World Parks Congress 2014. This once in every ten years event showcased Sydney Olympic Park’s extensive sustainability credentials.
The international forum on environmental conservation saw delegates from 170 countries, including five Heads of State and one Vice President, converge on Sydney Olympic Park’s 430 hectares of parklands gathering to share knowledge and set the agenda for conserving the world’s natural heritage.
The main collective outcome of the Congress is referred to as the Promise of Sydney – a four pillared approach, including a vision, approach, solutions and promises, to solve some of the world’s most elusive sustainability challenges and create a promising future for generations to come.
“Since undergoing its land regeneration project from a former brickworks, abattoir and rubbish dump to prepare for the ‘Green Games’ in 2000, Sydney Olympic Park has remained committed to a sustainable approach. Today, Sydney Olympic Park is home to 400 native plants, 200 native animal species and a range of alternative energy generation, waste and water recycling and sustainability solutions,” said Alan Marsh, CEO Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
IUCN World Parks Congress 2014 Quick Stats:
- More than 6000 participants
- Five heads of state, one Vice President
- 170 countries
- 15 international environment ministers
- 7 heads of United Nations organisations
- 6 Australian ministers and Senators
- 320 delegates registered to participate in Sydney Olympic Park specialist delegate excursions / technical tours.
- Total of 2670 room nights at Accor hotels at Sydney Olympic Park
- An estimated $34.2m of economic activity injected into NSW
Furthermore, Sydney Showground ensured that all napkins, cups, plates, bowls and cutlery were all made from recycled products and once used, put into specific re-cycling bins at the end of each day. On top of this, each Delegate was informed they must reduce the amount of printing material and to only use recycled products for the Congress – there was no hard copy program created for the event; there were also bicycles for hire to get around the venue to help cut down on the use of fossil fuels.
